Warning Essay
Dr. William Bennett wrote: "Something has gone wrong with America.
. . . Since 1960, the population has increased 41%; the gross domestic
product nearly tripled. But during the same thirty-five year period,
there was a 560% increase in violent crime; more than a 400% increase in
illegitimate births; a quadrupling in divorces, a tripling of the percentage
of children living in single-parent homes; more than a 200% increase in
the teenage suicide rate. . . .
"Over the years teachers have been asked to identify the top problems
in America's schools. In 1940, teachers identified them as talking
out of turn; chewing gum; making noise; running in the hall; cutting in
line; dress code infractions; and littering. When asked the same
question in 1990, teachers identified drug use, alcohol abuse; pregnancy;
suicide; rape; robbery; and assault."
