I'm speechless.

[kandrathe]

To me, this place seems like a denial of human rights, that in itself infuriates me.

I am one person who believes that the time has come in our history where we take the next step from the "Bill of Rights" and outline the rights of those who have been traditionally denied them. Like, children.

You present an interesting dilema. Do parents have the right to take legal, yet (to us) extreme measures to try to change the "thinking" in their children? How about the children of parents involved with non-mainstream religious movements, like the Branch Davidians, or other fringe left and right wing groups? Now, I would guess that there are kids in those camps that were merely troublesome, and "out of control" in their parents opinion. You or I might label those same children as rebellious, but not in danger to themselves or others. Finding out that your child is smoking cigarettes, dabbling with a little pot, and running with a rough crowd is a far cry from juvenile delinquency in my definition. How about in the definition of a Mennonite? Certainly these kids are engaging in more high risk behaviors. But are there other less extreme methods for reigning them in? Maybe if the parents would spend a little more time raising them... I dunno.

Now, back to what you said. Hmmm, human rights. Firstly, they should have the right to be in a safe environment. I didn't read about any allegations of physical abuse, although I think the punishment by restraint is a form of physical incarceration. The right to have proper clothing, nutrition, and shelter. The right to have access to health care, and education. Again, it seems that these kids are being cared for. Remember, I'm on your side. I disagree with the reasoning, and methods. The child is in effect incarcerated, with their only crime being the loss of trust of their parents.

Lastly, compare this with what drafted soldiers would endure in boot camp and military service.