A Fair And Appropriate Sentence--The Affluenza Epidemic

There has been a great deal of temporary outcry against the case in Texas in which an underage drunk driver who killed four people was sentenced to probation. The sentencing defense was based on the claim that the boy suffered from "affluenza"--essentially being raised in an environment in which his every whim was catered to,in which he saw no consequences for negative behavior, and was never taught empathy for anyone.

I rarely allow myself to indulge in conversations about the appropriateness of sentences in criminal cases. If the case was one that I tried such a discussion could lead to the disclosure of confidential information that is not appropriate for public release. If I did not try the case I know that I do not know the facts well enough from reading a computer news story to have a meaningful opinion.

Regardless of the facts of the case, we should recognize that "affluenza" is not limited to the poor parenting skills of the wealthy. It has permeated our society and is our most common form of child neglect. Children who are not taught the value of hard physical work are neglected. Children who are not forced to get off the couch and exercise vigorously are neglected. Children who are not taught the fundamental principal that our only purpose in life is to improve the lives of others are neglected. Children who are taught to pull back from every challenge and live anxiety filled lives of "being careful" are neglected. Children who see parents relaxing with "a few drinks" are neglected. Children who are not taught that giving is more important than getting are neglected.

There is another way. It does not have to be this way.

 Words have meaning. "Spoil" has a telling meaning. When meat spoils it rots. It has a horrible smell. One is repelled from it and will seek to avoid it. It spreads it's decay to all that it touches.

As does a spoiled child. As does a neglectful parent.