Are we blank slates? Are we empty vessels dwelling through time? Are we preprogrammed? Can we be reprogrammed?

Our youth is preyed on. Our youth are caught within nests? The United States Army allows citizens to enlist at the age of 18. Yet, prior to reaching that age, young men are given many opportunities to make the wrong desisions. Fatherless homes and teenagers for mothers have many children lacking basic neccessities, guidance, resources and social needs. The sad part is the fact so many go without when there is so much space and opportunity around. There's that door you can choose to go through that requires patience, determination and faith. There's also that door you can choose that has you thinking money comes fast and easy and you can get away with whatever you choose to do. A law broken or a legal gamble. You choose.

As early as 8 or 9, children begin forming groups. They have this need to be accepted and a need to socialize. Some environments are different than others.You may have a family that drives you to where you need and want to go. You may have the life that requires you to walk. The more you walk, the more opportunities there are to run into trouble and meet different people. The more opportunities there are to run into trouble, the more decisions you have to make. The more decisions you have to make. The more chances you have to make the wrong ones. Especially when there's no one around to keep you on the straight and narrow. 

You can tell teens something uplifting and positive and feel that you've done your part, but it really does take more than a piece of advise here and there. It actually takes daily words and communication to drive your message home. You cannot be a weekend warrior and expect to be as effective as a parent whose at home on a daily. 

We have to put every ounce of effort into some kids. The more effort and teachings you give them when they're young, the better. Kids deal with situations daily. Although they may say some things don't bother them, I'm sure it actually does. Just as sure as they understand words and insult, insult bothers them. Some insult requires mental strength. So many have committed suicide from Cyber bullying while others shut themselves off from society and miss their true calling. The world is filled with emotion. Much of it stems from hate and jealousy. Everybody's coping with the hands they were dealt whether they feel adequate or lacking. It still invokes emotion. And what we see daily is a result of that.

DRAFT.