Young Men, Watch Out!

     You are young, vibrant, full of life and energy.  You are ready to take on the world and carry your share of problems.  Yes, young man, you are ready!  But out there in the bigger world, there are some things you might do well to consider as you chart your course in the oncoming years.   Avoid these traps that will impede your progress and success: 

    a.  Children out of Wedlock— There are webs of enticement out there— free sex with a catch.  Today, because the economy is poor, many young ladies  lay entrapments for young men with jobs.  They have a baby for him.  This insures them 18 years of child support payments.  We call it the “new welfare” program.  Many older women who already have children select a young man with a fairly good job, have sex with him and bring a baby into the world, place guilt trips on the young man and collect many years of benefit— married or unmarried.    Even if the young man does not marry the woman, there is a common bond– the child— which keeps him bound to her in some way.  She can vex your soul, ask for more child support money, and keep piles of problems concerning the care of the child ever before you.  Avoid this with a passion.  Steer clear of women who have free sex with a catch. 

    b.  Drugs — At a young age, sometimes as young as 10, the drug dealers try to draw young men into their net.  They provide free drugs on a trial basis.  They try to recruit drug pushers to work for them.  They provide money and other opportunities for young men that are attractive.  But they never tell you the other side of the coin— sickness, death, and imprisonment.  Drugs are one of the major reasons for crime, recidivism in the jails, and violence.  Once a young man is in the “system” and has a criminal record, many of his opportunities are gone for life.  Drugs have also led to alienation from friends and family members and those who consume drugs are not to be trusted.  Their presence is most unwelcome everywhere they go.  Young men, keep your head clear, and your mind focused.  Avoid all drug inducements as you would avoid a lethal plague.