I have somewhat of a unique insight into this problem as I have recently returned to the UK after spending most of my adult life in North America. What I have observed since my return has been a shock to the system as I have witnessed first hand these low life council estate thugs terrorizing our neighborhoods. It's time for the authorities to wake up and stop pussy footing around with these animals - it is too late to use the timid laws of the past to deal with this chronic social plague of today.
I believe the problems really started back in the 60's when we suffered a 'Lost' generation who used 'Sex Drugs and Rock & Roll' as an excuse to rebel against the values taught to them by responsible parents and committed teachers both with the power to dish out reasonable physical punishment. I went to an all boy’s school and believe you me the punishment dished out was reasonable and appropriate (although I didn't think so at the time). Looking back it was also very necessary and in 9 out of 10 cases fully deserved.
This generation rebelled against societies values and grew up to be the lousy parents of the 80's that spawned the vermin we now see on the streets causing all this social unrest. Add to that the removal of the 'Right' of both parents and teachers to apply a crack to the back of your ear when you stepped out of line and you have the ingredients for a wayward generation.
On top of this you have the seemingly uncontrollable and insatiable violence perpetrated by Hollywood, television and the written media which have collectively contributed to the decay of people’s morals in general. By hiding behind the 'Freedom of Speech' they have chosen to forsake good taste in pursuit of the almighty dollar and ignored their professional responsibilities.
Just take a step back and give your head a shake the next time you watch one of Hollywood’s latest blockbusters, the rapes, the uncontrolled and vivid acts of violence, the twisted plots of deranged fictitious individuals. Check out much of the programming on TV that is often just as graphic, listen to the language that is now considered acceptable, you wanna have phone sex - no problem - just watch the commercials on many of the channels after 11:00 pm.
Now throw in the contribution of the internet and then consider the amount of illegal and immoral activity that this brings into our living rooms and bedrooms. Although it is a marvelous invention and is used in constructive ways such as education and communication it was never designed to be a platform for all that is wrong to be blasted into our homes and polluting impressionable minds. I remember when I bought my first computer for the home, at the time I had 2 boy's, one 8 and one 10 - they were told right at the start that it was for education only - not entertainment - and that's how it was used. Responsible Parenting maybe? I invite you to read part 2 of this sermon for some constructive solutions to these and other social ills.
