Thoughts, a 2-page essay

Thoughts

So many young people commit felonious acts across this great nation.

After witnessing repeated mass shootings, citizens are demanding changes to policies from politicians to prevent such horrific acts of violence. Daily news reports released show ruthless attacks on individuals and damage to properties, too many times it involves teens. Elected officials are at a loss. In haste, speech writers plan texts with conciliatory words to convey to voters. Once again, the political leaders are somewhat appeasing the listeners, however, a workable path to a resolution has yet to emerge.

Parents have allowed an “unhealthy” in-home environment for youngsters by distancing themselves from the vital role of parenting, permitting others to hold that position. In doing so, the most trusted people, the parent(s), do not recognize or simply ignore the longing for purpose and meaning. With no emotional support, attentions are directed to whomever/whatever offers a so-called comfort zone to the developing minds. Too often, the focal points become the glitzy, unreachable world of Hollywood and famous athletes. Impressed by their fame and monetary wealth, the daily actions of celebrities, the role-playing characters portrayed on the screen, and the combat-ridden games offered by the entertainment productions are intensely tracked and supported. While searching recklessly for “equal” recognition, the worlds of make-believe are considered authoritative sources and emulated - this has become the lifeline for so many.

Reminder: In the 1990s, the FTC charged R.J. Reynolds with designing camel cigarette packaging specifically to attract the next generation of customers for added and permanent profits. The company did not admit guilt but agreed to pay millions. Has anything changed? The ads are no longer for tobacco. Today, it’s the persuasive promotion of brazened aggressive behavior and weapons with accompanying recordings streamed via social and print media sites, captivating the young into a fantasy-driven existence, and so on and so on. With no guidance, the curious impressionable minds are saturated 24/7 with endless violent-packed scenarios. Hence – mental health. It might be argued that the subjects are protected under the First Amendment and are the consumers' own choices. Conversely, some people might argue that watching the enactment of destruction and homicidal activities could serve as enticement and encouragement to those who are in non-nurturing home settings and are most vulnerable. Let’s not underestimate the power of suggestion by propaganda – never forget the fanatical obsession with unspeakable horrors named the Holocaust.

The situation throughout this country is incredibly sad and troubling. How did we get here?

Mass school shootings, expressway shootings, drive-by shootings, carjackings, kidnappings, armed robberies, attacks on pedestrians, home invasions, looting businesses, disagreements settled with deadly weapons, and the list goes on. The rapid decline of civility/discipline is demonstrated by individuals and disorderly crowds nationwide and has reached a disturbing level of severity.

History has shown that lawbreakers are a part of society and crimes are committed by individuals from all walks of life. However, increases in new patterns of crimes and disorders are emerging among young people. Extremely alarming. The monumental tasks of providing safety for children and communities sit before us. The questions become: what plan of action is forthcoming by political representatives and experts to take charge of the out-of-control violence; and what are the protocols to motivate and encourage youngsters to enthusiastically receive instructions to choose classroom participation instead of criminal activities? The message “Learn Today – Earn Tomorrow” might be a reasonable introduction.

Recalling a sentence from Chicago’s late Mayor Harold Washington’s inauguration speech in 1983: “Tomorrow at City Hall, we will NOT conduct business as usual!”

Closing thoughts:

Individuals who enter into criminal undertakings leave behind trails of pain, distrust, and tears. People take precautionary measures by altering daily schedules for fear of facing criminal encounters resulting in added expenses. Ultimately, the tax-paying voters bear the financial burden of the physical destruction caused by outrageous unlawful activities and bring emotional distress into their daily lives. With “empty” words, government officeholders speak to the news media and point blame in all directions to deflect criticism, avoid responsibilities, and shield their positions.

It seems that the man-made appalling turmoil we see throughout this land has long been in the making and crimes blatantly committed with an entitled attitude allowed into our society. To the delight of the criminals, authorities have not come forward yet to appropriately address the shameful madness. It has been said that anything man-made can be changed. Citizens are waiting.

Thoughts expressed are personal views by a concerned citizen.

January 2024