The Consequences of Safe Havens
Too often in politics an idea springs up, gets a wave of support amongst the masses, political correctness yields to political pandering, and legislation passes because of that idea.
Then, after the fact, people understand why the idea was never enforced in the first place. Nebraska has done just that. Trying to deal with the abortion and abandoned babies issues, Nebraska passed a Safe Haven law that allowed parents to drop off kids up to eighteen years old.
So they did. People drove thousands of miles to ditch their kids. Gary Staton really took advantage of the law and ditched nine kids. Now, originally his story had some meaning to it. His wife died. He couldn’t handle it, wouldn’t ask for help, so he just decided to let the state take care of them. As it turns out, most are with some sort of family anyway and he hangs out with them all the time. He just doesnt have to be a father, raise them or bother with the expenses of providing for them. Otherwise all is good for Gary thanks to the Safe Haven law. Well, politicos, seeing how well it worked for Staton, decided they needed to change it. So, they dropped the age from eighteen years to thirty days.
Doesn’t matter much to Gary I imagine, his new girlfriend is expecting twins.
I’m OK with Safe Haven laws for babies. I do think some obligation should be expected of the parents that do abandon their kids and expect you and me to take care of their obligations.
On the spot castration should do it. The drop off spots are hospitals and they won’t compound their mistakes later on that way.
But, that’s not the way it’ll be I’m sure.
Personal responsibility doesn’t seem to be an issue any more. Should put a dent on the abortion issue as well.
