Don’t Blame Teen-Ager for Parents’ Shortcomings

I find it impossible to describe the anger I felt when I read about this girl’s predicament. I question whether parents should have legal authority to imprison children without allowing children to have a legal defense.

It appears the 16-year-old Cara got the idea that she could have complete control without taking responsibility from the example her parents have set for her. By trying to control their daughter, they surrender the responsibility to someone else, the operators of the facility in Utah.

They exposed their child to bullying by an institution that has left her unable to do more than comply with the psychological manipulation inflicted upon her.

There has to be a better way to raise teen-agers, some way that dehumanizes them less and allows them to become adults who can successfully retain the ability to evaluate situations and people, critically and independently.

MICHELE DUFFY

Fullerton