The Axiom Of Responsibility
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Taking Responsibility
For Themselves And Their Children

Since Nebraska's Safe Haven Law went into effect this past July, "at least 14 children have been abandoned," eleven of them, "ranging in age from 1 to 17," being dropped off at hospitals on Wednesday alone. ("11 Children, Including Family of 9, Abandoned") Interestingly, "Nebraska was the last state in the nation to adopt a safe-haven law," going a step further than other states by allowing "caregivers to abandon youngsters as old as 19 without fear of prosecution." According to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, similar laws in other states only apply to the abandonment of infants, with the purpose of "ensur[ing] that relinquished infants are left with persons who can provide the immediate care needed for their safety and well-being."

Nebraska State Senator Arnie Stuthman, who introduced the bill, maintains that "abandoning teenagers was not the original intent of the law"; however, "in a compromise with senators worried about arbitrary age limits, the measure was expanded" to include those beyond infancy. In addition, Stuthman believes that "people are leaving [their children] off just because they can't control them [and] they're probably in no real danger, so it's an easy way out for the caretaker."

Safe Haven Laws were meant for desperate situations only. Abiding by Magna Sententia, unless a parent finds themselves in extreme circumstances in which caring for an infant is a complete impossibility, such as in the case of homelessness, they never push their parental responsibilities onto the government in this manner. Further, arranging a legal adoption is the only course of action for parents who are unable to care for children once they are no longer infants. Simply dropping off your teenager is a cowardly act that should be punishable by imprisonment.

When are the adults in our country going to start acting like adults and stop looking for ways to avoid their legitimate adult responsibilities? It is amazing to us that every day people make another lame attempt to get out of doing what they should be doing. Magna Sententia is truly the logical cure for our society because it demands that individuals take responsibility for themselves and their children, and it allows no excuses! If you are a parent, you and only you are responsible for your children until they are 18 years of age.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of The Magna Sententia Weblog
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society