I would like to clarify that my previous post had absolutely nothing to do with what Kimberly posted. My snippet of her post was merely the spring-board for what I posted afterward.
I was trying to raise a question to everyone about the whole idea that anyone should base their decisions or choices or lifestyles, etc., based on what is legally sanctioned or outlawed.
As adults, we're expected to make our own decisions, guided by our own sense of right & wrong, safe or unsafe, stupid or smart, etc.
If, as competent adults, we look to the Law (external authority) to tell us what is right or wrong, legal or illegal, responsible or irresponsible, then we're not really adults, are we?
IMO, it is irrelevant what the legal age might be in Florida for children to be home unsupervised. Or what the legal age of babysitters or caregivers might be, in Florida or anywhere else. What IS relevant (IMO) is the ability of parents & also those without children to make responsible decisions regarding themselves (in any matter - childcare decisions or otherwise) and those that look to them for care & protection, regardless of whether or not there is a legal statute defining who/when/how/whatever.
It is not the State's responsibility, nor the school district's, to determine the choices parents must make in order to provide for their children.
It is each & every parent's responsibility. And to suggest that a parent is not responsible or culpable due to the fact that a law hasn't been implemented dictating responsibility or culpability is ridiculous.
Legislators assume that competent citizens (including parents) possess a measure of common sense. With every law passed there must be funding to implement & enforce that law.
I mean, how long will it be before we have laws defining "common sense"?! Do we really want someone else deciding what common sense is for us? Can't we decide for ourselves?
