Even now, as the parents of innocent school children and teachers mourn their lost friends in Arkansas, the nation's media has flown into a feeding frenzy. How terrible, they say, that the eleven and thirteen-year old boys responsible for the deed were exposed to animated cartoons that warped their minds. How very horrid it all is, and how very many actors it will employ when someone, three years from now, makes a television movie of the week from the tragedy. Come on, now. Raise your hands.
Children can be quite awful creatures.
They are rash and greedy, given to fits of tantrum and rage. Though many of today's parents feel that they need only protect their innocent young darlings from harm until they come of age, parents of a different generation knew that their jobs were to shape these irrational savages into fit citizens. They were to be a civilizing influence, not a sodden lump on the couch in the dim glow of the telly, polishing the rifle collection. Since coming to the colonies, I've met some very friendly people and had a most interesting job offer. I might end up on the President's personal staff.