It Takes A Village

I feel the need to comment on the tone of letters dealing the unfortunate death of Evan Larsen. In a perfect world no one would be addicted to drugs or steal to support their habit but laying blame on his Mother is inappropriate. Children are a product of many environments and the home is but one of them. Mentoring a child is not always easy but opportunities are there. Children who spend thirty hours a week in school are in contact with adults who should be boosting self esteem as well as educating them.

Alcohol and pot use begins at a very young age before the mind and body are developed fully. Marijuana is stored in the fat and remains in the system for 12 to 24 hours after use and interferes with cognitive abilities. This has devastating consequences for a young persons education and their future ability to function in society. It has also been shown to be a powerful trigger of mental illness in young adults and can escalate into harder drug use. Even so, a large part of society thinks it should be legalized.

Should Evan Larsen have been stealing from Andres? - No. Was his life less valuable than a piece of electronic equipment? - No. In the end we are all responsible for the Evan Larsens. It really does take a whole village to raise a child.

S.K.