Some Thoughts on the Future of Our Youth
Post U.S. Marine Corps (26 years to be exact) and after working 14 years as a senior administrator at the college level, I became the president of two military college preparatory schools. I enjoyed observing the development of young men and women into citizens of substance. Moreover, I appreciate the good order and discipline offered by military academies and how they literally change the lives of our youth while adjusting what the cadets believe is good enough in terms of effort and achievement.
As I was reviewing some of my journal entries, a few were worthy of sharing and are as important today as when they were written:
“Nothing emboldens sin so much as mercy.” - W. Shakespeare
“When parents fail to discipline their children, children lose respect for authority.” General George S. Patton, Jr.
“…, unspanked kids will start insulting their parents and teachers, throwing stones at the school, (and) writing on the walls of public buildings.” General Patton
“God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring your through it.” Anonymous (I love this one and believe it to be true!)
“Parents must reclaim the art of requiring children to ‘want and wait’ on their material desires and second - to earn them.” - J. Benson