skalenfehl

The only relationship I see there is the consequence and the action/choice.

I agree there, but would change coerce to promote or encourage. I'm approaching this thread from a hypothetical and speculative perspective. I beg to differ. I have two boys, one 19 and one 20 who would love to see drugs legalized. This may put a band aid on the current problem in society, but I believe it would be a terrible long term solution. "Give 'em an inch and they'll take a yard". Let's look at something as simple as what we see on the screen. How far have we come in the last 50 years of desensitized television? Television 50 years ago didn't have husband and wife sleeping in the same bed in most if not all shows and if they did, they were fully clothed or wore pajamas. You never saw Barbara Eden's belly button in "I dream of Jeanie". Nowadays I have to change the channel when some commercials come on the air!! Even my rebellious son was surprised to see some nudity on regular prime time tv. What can your average 5 year old see on tv today? South Park, Simpsons, Family Guy, and those are the cartoons! The bottom line is the more liberal choices society is given the more liberal society will become until there is no turning back. I do not believe in setting such precedences.

My one ton, 4 door F-350 diesel powerstroke sits on my driveway while I drive to the job site in my wife's car. I probably should sell my truck and buy a bicycle. It would be tough pulling my big trailer, though.

Granted, but you pretty much reinforced what I said, which brings me back to my question. How do we build on this?

Society is caught in a perpetual downward spiral. People don't want to "parent" properly anymore. Fathers are not taking responsibility, children are more and more unruly, disobedient, lazy, etc. What if we could somehow break the cycle for a generation and reinforce good parenting, family structure, etc. What if we could shift our focus and emphasis on the "prevention" instead of the "cure"? Since we're discussing hypothetical scenarios, how could we build on this one?

Ok, my suggestion could be the punishment, followed by yours for the actual "rehabilitation".

If anything bring back chain gangs to build federal and state highways. That would build infrastructure while saving lots of tax dollars, and rehabilitate many criminals. Each generation is getting softer and more unruly.

A little on the political side, but... An extreme view all the way around, I think. Never incarcerated following the first conviction? We treat a felony the same as a misdemeanor? Besides, the two biggest problems in my mind are laws are not being enforced and the jails/prisons are overcrowded and the innocent overtaxed to punish and imprison the offenders. How would you fix that?

Welcome to our little corner of the internet.

Welcome! I joined for the same reason, plus I enjoy making new friends. This is a great place for both.

Brother, it sounds like you're addressing/describing your ex-wife, instead of addressing/describing the rest of the ladies here. I can tell you are truly hurting right now. I hope things start to ease up and that you have a good support system.

I think Joel is also smart enough to say the right thing at the right time.

I've listened to him on occasion and his talks certainly have merit. Personally speaking, I'm not sure I'd buy his book unless I knew where the profit/proceeds were going. Just my opinion, though.

Happy birthday!

Congratulations! :)

I remember back in the day a hundred years ago when I was a kid dating gals who weren't members. I was a naive kid, but I always knew that I was going to marry in the temple no matter what. A girlfriend dumped me when I told her I planned on serving a mission. Looking back I think she wanted to marry me. Oh, by the way, I lived in an area that was predominantly another religion so the pickin's were slim.

Very insightful reply, a-train, as are most of your posts.

Welcome to our little corner of the internet. It's quite an enjoyable place to hang out and people here are friendly.

Laws are for everyone, but only the lawful uphold and obey the law. The laws, however, need to be enforced. But I digress. This is about preparedness. While I believe in the right to bear arms, I probably ever won't own a firearm. I'd be interested what others consider good alternatives.

I agree with you, kona, and I think my post was supportive.

Walk softly and carry a big stick.

Now go forth and make lots of new friends and make many posts.

Wonderful post. Good on ya! Keep the faith. :)

I think you're missing the point, brother. And it feels like your emotions are governing your posting more than your rational thinking. I hope things work out for you and I agree that there is a special someone out there for you who is very likely sharing your very same concerns.

Welcome to the boards! I'm sure you'll enjoy it here. I graduated high school in 1987, ha ha!