The number of extremely violent adolescents seems to be a growing trend in our American culture. You read about it almost daily “kids going over the edge” physically harassing people, public shooting sprees, even going as far as killing their own family.

Everyone appears to be outraged about these events, yet no one seems to be mentioning that this is a major issue. These adolescents will be running our country one day soon, it might be a good idea to look into what may be causing this.

I am, by no way an expert on any of this, but I do have my opinions. One question we should ask ourselves is,

“How can a child that has been raised by their loving parents, kill them or have them killed?”

This in my eyes is the most horrific crime imaginable especially when the child’s siblings are involved. Some of these violent adolescents are currently incarcerated, why do we not demand some kind of research and testing of their brain functions? I’m no rocket scientist, but last time I checked the brain controls all your functions, including reasoning and conscious. I am not talking about weird electric shock therapy or a simple counseling session. I am talking about hooking up some “great technological equipment” that would help the “experts” see if there is anything different about how their brain actually functions. If we don’t have that kind of technology than shame on us, it should be simple science.

I have read that some experts believe it has to do with violent video games or movies that these kids watch, that desensitize them from violence. Well I would have to say that if parents monitor their children and instill good moral values in them violent movies or video games should not come into play. Basic teaching that killing is wrong, hurting people for no reason is wrong, Simple!

The number of adolescents on mood altering medications is also at a staggering level, maybe the two are linked. Four years ago the doctors were prescribing anti depressant medications to children as young as 7 years old, now they say it should be used with caution in younger people. Why? Because one of the side effects is suicidal thoughts and another is violent mood swings! It gets even worse when the doctors are prescribing all these wonderful new drugs for ADHD and come to find out they also can cause depression and suicidal thoughts. We, ourselves can confirm that all current medications for ADHD caused severe depression, appetite loss, lack of sleep and just plain zombie like in our son for over four years. Maybe this is contributing to the violence among young people?

I decided to ask my son and two of his friends if they thought there was a problem with young adults and extreme violence. They all answered very quickly a prompt YES. When asked why they thought this may be a problem more now than in earlier decades they stated that

“more “things” are now available to kids.”

After I was briefed that “things” meant drugs and weapons, I failed to agree with them. Weapons have always been available and can even be improvised when needed, we just knew enough not to use them unless necessary to save your life. Drugs have also always been readily available, anyone remember the 60’s (probably not) 🙂 . These drugs do not include the “prescribed” drugs that I mentioned above. As the kids and I continued to talk these teenagers said that it may be due to the parents themselves. They told me that there are a large number of kids at school that have parents that do not care about them or what they do. They said parents should be involved and interested in their child’s life. I explained to them about the 16 year old girl in Texas with a nice Christian family, and she had them all murdered, those parents were obviously involved. The kids then told me that a parent needs to be involved, but not strict, that just causes a child to rebel or “hate” their parents. They agreed that it was hard to be a parent (like they know), but they said it was hard to be a kid too.

I have come to the conclusion that this is a definite problem that our country is facing. As parents and mentors we can instill good moral values in our youth, guide them and make sure that even from a very young age, there are consequences for things you do wrong.

With all the “free” research money available who is “really” concerned?  

By now everyone has heard about the stimulus rebate that “some” taxpayers may be receiving in late spring. We found it hard to find information on who would actually receive it and how much would it be. Reading article after article they were only stating general information such as, if your tax liability was large enough and your income was within certain limits you will receive $300 – $1200. We did read an article today that the IRS was going to send out two letters this month explaining the rebate. Going directly to the IRS site, they have a very informative section explaining everything to do with the rebate.

We found it so frustrating that the main stream media wasn’t much help we thought we would write this post about the expected rebate.

Who will get the rebate?

• Anyone who files federal taxes by April 15, 2007 and has an earned income over $3000 and under $75,000 (individual) or $150,000 (couple).
• Low income citizens receiving Social Security or certain Veteran benefits need to file a 1040A to be eligible. Click here for more information.

Who will not get the rebate?

• You don’t file a 2007 tax return.
• Your net income tax liability is zero and your qualifying income is less than $3,000. To determine your qualifying income, add together your wages, net self-employment income, nontaxable combat pay, Social Security benefits, certain Railroad Retirement benefits and certain veterans’ payments.
• You can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. For example, this would include a child or student who can be claimed on a parent’s return.
• You do not have a valid Social Security Number.
• You are a nonresident alien.
• You file Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ, Form 1040PR or Form 1040SS for 2007.

Estimate your rebate:

Check your Adjusted Gross Income Line 38 on 1040, Line 22 on 1040A

If your single and your AGI is less than $75,000 continue, if not click here

If you filed joint and your AGI is under $150,000 continue, if not click here

Find your tax liability Line 57 on 1040, line 37 1040A

* special note to parents the IRS is using the tax liability BEFORE the child tax credit is used to offset your liability, so use line 46 on 1040, line 28 1040A if you received child tax credit.

Your rebate will be the amount of your tax liability up to $600 if single and up to $1200 for couples plus $300 per qualifying child.

* a qualifying child would be one you could claim on the child tax credit (under 17)

Quick Examples:

• Married couple with two children, AGI is $35,000, federal income tax liability before child tax credit is $1,070.
  Rebate is $1,070
  Qualifying child credit is $600
  TOTAL is $1,670
• Single parent with two children, AGI is $22,000, federal income tax liability before child tax credit is $395.
  Individual rebate is $395
  Qualifying child credit is $600
  TOTAL is $995

How will you receive your rebate?

• If your federal tax return was direct deposited, your rebate will be direct deposited in the same account. (The Government finally has a brain)
• If your account was closed, you did not provide one, you owed a tax liability your check will be mailed. Although BIG HINT they say if you owe taxes this year fill out the direct deposit information on your return and your rebate will be in your bank account.
• If you owe a past tax liability your rebate will be applied to that. (They always get their money)
• If you received a RAL (Rapid Refund loan) from company like H&R block your check will also be mailed. (The IRS has the financial institutions bank information not yours)

The Rebate will not be taxable income next year. Beware of scams out there requesting any information in order to receive this rebate. Remember all you have to do to be eligible is to file your 2007 Federal Taxes!

For more detailed information please visit http://www.irs.gov

Update:

IRS Economic Stimulys Payment Calculator 

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns
Received and Processed by April 15

I will try not to be too wordy, but here goes.

We signed up the youngest (just turned 6) for coach pitch BB. First practice, Sat. 8a.m. My husband took him. Had practice again on Sun @1. I took him, husband was working. I left him there for about 45 min, to take groceries home. Coach said it would be fine. I went back, waited on it to get over with. Once it was over, the team mom (TM)(coach’s wife) told the boys that they needed to pick up the dugout, because they had juice boxes, pop tart wrappers, etc., all thrown around. All the kids bailed on her except mine & hers, because I told mine he had to help, you helped make the mess, help clean. I stepped in the dugout to grab trash, bottles, etc. With hands full proceeded to the gate w/K in tow, trying to find a trash can. All of a sudden the TM says, “Who do you belong to?” (very loudly, harsh). I said, ” I am K’s mom, (said my name), nice to meet you.” TM, “you weren’t here yesterday were you?” Me, “no, but his dad brought him.” tm, “well, I knew there was a representative here for him.” (like I was stupid, a representative? It’s his dad!) (she is still VERY loud @ this point) We put the trash in the can and tm says, “apparently you don’t know the rules. You cannot be on that field for any reason, unless you have a security clearance.” (she is still LOUD!) I said very nicely, “I was just helping pick up trash & getting K.” tm, “THAT DOESN’T MATTER, YOU CAN’T GO THROUGH THAT GATE!” I just got K & headed to the car. My other son’s team mom chased me down & says, ” I am so sorry that she talked to you that way. She is new to this & I know you were just trying to help. I have been up here for a long time & she can come off being a bitch.  I said, “I was just trying to help & to teach K that he has to help too. That it doesn’t matter what the other kids do, we make a mess, we help out to clean it.” She says, “I know you guys are new up here. Just let it go & let it roll off your back.” We went on after that to discuss my other son’s practice schedule.

What would you do? I have a feeling that she is going to be the dugout mom, too. If she talks to my kid like that, I promise you, no security clearance paper is going to keep me from her! I am okay w/the clearance thing. It’s in place to protect the children. There were no other kids in there but mine & hers. 

How can the President of our country be so out of touch with what is going on daily in America? During Bush’s speech today he actually said the U.S. economy is in a “slowdown” and not headed for recession. Has he been hiding in the big White House in Washington for that long!

Then when he is asked about the prospect of the price of gas reaching $4 a gallon 

Bush says

“That’s interesting. I hadn’t heard that. … I know it’s high now.”

OK so where has this guy been while he is presumably running this country? He obviously has no idea about the increased cost to live on a DAILY basis as our American jobs continue to be outsourced to other countries.

Like I have said before the unemployment rate in our state is over 7%, the price of gas this week is $3.17 a gallon, and industrial plants are closing left and right. If our President thinks that any person in this state is going to be able to spend their “stimulus rebate” on fun stuff, HE’S CRAZY! The people of Michigan will be trying to save themselves from foreclosure, try to keep their cars so they can get to work, and if there is any money left over it will go to our local utility company for our extremely high heating bills this year.

CNN just ran a story about the astronomical rise in food prices this year. It stated that the average price of milk has rose 17.7%, eggs 34.7%, bread 5.7% and wheat is up over $12 a bushel.

Let’s break that down in real terms…

In the past year milk is $1 more a gallon, we purchase 6 gallons a week (growing boys), that’s an additional $312 a year.

Eggs are up approximately $1 also, we only purchase 1 dozen a week (thankfully), that’s an additional $52 a year.

Instead of bread I am going to use cereal, which I know has risen at least $1 this year. We purchase 5 boxes a week, that’s an additional $260 a year.

Add that up and it is an additional $624 on just milk, eggs and cereal!

I guess I should mention that my husband is an Ironworker and commutes to work everyday, which depending on the gas price is anywhere between $150 – $200 a week! (average $9000 a year) So how is $1200 going to help us? It was our money to begin with!

This is happening to Americans across the country, and it is absurd for our President to try to pull the wool over our eyes by calling this a “slowdown”.

With the candidates running in the upcoming election ….it doesn’t look like it is going to get much better anytime soon.

UPDATE:

This picture was posted on The Fox News home page this morning!

George Bush will be eating crow for breakfast!

Drivers in San Mateo, Calif., shell out more than $4 a gallon for gasoline, as crude oil prices extend their march into record territory, hitting $103 a barrel.

Read About It – Oil Surges to Record Above $103 as Dollar Weakens

I found the following article on Fox News. After reading it, I really couldn’t figure out for the life of me how come we spend money on this so called, ‘research.’ I have spanked & probably will again someday. Does that mean my children will become risks takers when it comes to sex? This is just plain weird. It infuriates me to know end that someone spent money on this. I just don’t understand. Will I care what my children do as consenting adults in their own bedrooms, in their own house one day? No, personally, I don’t want to know. It’s their business.

Study: Spanking May Lead to Sexual Problems Later in Life

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Children who are spanked or given some form of physical punishment by their parents may be more likely to have sexual problems as adults, a new study finds.

An analysis of four studies by Murray Straus, co-director of the Family Research Laboratory at the University of New Hampshire-Durham, found that children who suffer physical punishment in the form of spanking, hitting or slapping are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior as adults, it is reported by USA Today.

The study, presented Thursday to the American Psychological Association, suggests that spanked children also are more likely to be “physically or verbally coercing” to a sexual partner and engage in masochistic sex, including arousal by spanking, later in life.

Elizabeth Gershoff, an assistant professor of social work at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, who reviewed 80 years of spanking research in 2002 in the APA’s Psychological Bulletin, said Straus’ work appears to be the first to link spanking to sexual problems, USA Today reported.

Gershoff said that even though many children are spanked by their parents, future problems often depend on how the children process the experience and whether they ultimately equate love with physical pain.