Then we tell them of all the wonderful opportunities they have to pay it, while the job base dwindles and real purchasing power declines. We have foisted upon our children a topsy-turvy world in which if they are good, they might have a chance at decent housing, food, clothing and medical care. If they are bad, they go to jail and have all those things provided. If they are bad and rich, they get it all and go free. Stuff 'em in jail.
Reaction is easy.
Reflection and self-analysis are tough, for they bring up unsettling questions about our own legitimacy as individuals and as a society. In our technological age, our children are becoming less our own and more reflective of society. If we don't like what we're turning out, we should take a look at the factory. Rather than smacking our kids, we need to smack ourselves awake to the seeds we are sowing for the demise of our civilization.