www.parentdish.co.uk/2013/10/11/schoolbo...lf/?icid=maing-grid7|uk|dl5|sec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D215251

Yeah, life was so much better in the 1860s.

I think the point is that the human race, and particularly those in 'authority' have absolutely no bloody common sense.

What should have been the upshot to the story above? A huge bollocking and an example made, perhaps with some community punishment organised by the school.
But no, in 'free America' they talk about sex offender laws. A total and obscene over reaction.

there is a vast difference between now and the 1860s

to begin with there were not the 100s of laws that are now on the books attempting to control every aspect of human behaviour.

the great masses of people have been educated and yet, especially in the USA but also in the UK and most countries that began under their influence- NZ , Oz..despite the vast amount of education there are endless laws that are of no discernible benefit to society and indeed which cause incaluable harm such as their "Sex Offender" laws that punish people, many for life, long after they have paid a penalty. And the media ?..didn't exist in the 1860s.

## and note the new proposed UK laws whereby police may now decide anyone is a potential 'sex offender' and place restrictions on them...yet barely a peep from anybody.(although I expect libel laws may come into play)

And thus a young lad faced with this prospect decides death is preferable.

JK is correct.

Is this obsequiousness part of the 12 steps?

Hedda is also correct.

Orwell almost got it right. We are being monitored all the time not so much by Big Brother but rather our (social media) peers and it is their judgement we fear most of all. Even the fear of ridicule is too much for some such as this poor lad. Bless his soul x