Dear Editor:
With all the hub-bub about the tragedy in Newton, Conn., I certainly hope that those that really want to get to the causes of these killings, will look into what has changed in our society during the last 60 years.
For instance: 63 percent of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/Census), five times the average. Ninety percent of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes, 32 times the average. Eighty-five percent of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes, 20 times the average (Center for Disease Control.) Eighty percent of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes,14 times the average (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26.) Seventy-one percent of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes, nine times the average (National Principals Association Report.)
In addition, fatherless children are twice as likely to drop out of school. Children with fathers who are involved are 40 percent less likely to repeat a grade in school. Children with fathers who are involved are 70 percent less likely to drop out of school. Children with fathers who are involved are more likely to get A's in school. Children with fathers who are involved are more likely to enjoy school and engage in extracurricular activities. Seventy-five percent of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes, 10 times the average.
The entertainment industry has some culpability in the denigration of society's mores. They would say that they only reflect what is going on in society, but I think that they lead rather than follow. Video games have gotten much more graphic since pong first appeared, back in the day.
Where did all this start? I'm not sure when, but I know that things have gotten much worse since we kicked God out of the classroom and replaced him with secular humanism. The separation of church and state crowd has been getting their way and now look what we have! By the way, why isn't Barry Lynn complaining about all the politicians asking us pray for the families associated with Newton, Conn.? To whom are the so-called atheists going to pray?
It does seem rather strange that my pastor can't go into a local government school classroom and preach a sermon, but our church is invited to come into the local prisons and preach the gospel, go figure! Seems kind of backwards to me!