Good question you pose, Wingriderz.
And Cardboard is on the right path as well. But, in recent history (mid-1900's or so) children were held accountable to society by their parents for their indiscretions. Society also somewhat held mon/dad accountable for the actions of their children. Mom/dad usually made things right at the expense of the kids who did wrong. Often this included telling the authorities (police, school, whatever) to exercise punishment/penalty, and then the real punishment came "when your dad gets home"! This is the part missing these days it seems. Not only do schools literally tie the hands of the administration, but mom/dad seem to go to bat for their innocent little angels who can do no wrong. I know that most jurisdictions can hold parents responsible for the actions of a minor child, but this seems to have largely gone by the wayside.
I wish I knew what the solution is, but our norms have changed so much that I don't suspect we will see 'the old way' ever again. What worries me is 'where will this stop'? If we are not instilling accountability in our children, will our children instill it in theirs? Unlikely. Then what happens in several generations?
A friend and I were discussing our lives over a beer the other day. We are both mid-sixties. Our conclusion: We have lived during the best of times. We grew up with running water, paved roads, abundant food and energy, some (not really much) peace, no major depressions, didn't have to lock our homes (until sometime in the '70's), and the list goes on.
We also lived with people who had respect for other people and their 'stuff'. Unfortunately it does not seem that we are passing all of this on to our grandchildren.
On the bright side, I was looking into relocating a few years back, as in changing 'countries', not towns. I'm still here, because in my estimation the USA still offers the best game in town. Our freedoms and opportunities still abound.
Sorry that this got long winded. I know, I know, I sound like your grandfather did.
