Dateline Dayton — We need licensing for child care. I am not talking about the facilities that provide care for your child while you are at work. 

I believe every man or woman who provides care for a child should be required to have a license to care for that child.

I firmly believe a large part of the child abuse problem we are experiencing is due to the deterioration of the family unit. 

Many infants born today do not have a real father, or a real mother.  Too often it is just a male and female who are bringing a new life into the world. They have little interest for the well-being of the child.

I recently read a story of a boy who was beaten,  tortured by the male who was responsible for his birth, by his girlfriend and the birth female.  I did not say “mother” because a mother should reflect love, caring, protection. None was present.

The male and his girlfriend tortured the child, who died from his injuries, followed by a beer party, then sex , all the while the boy was dying.

The birth female, was present this entire time, along with other children, one of whom was also beaten. She did nothing until it was too late 

What shame this kind of treatment takes place in our society.  Then again, there is the professional football player convicted of hitting his four-year-old boy. He probably will be playing soon.  We no longer value human life.

Then there was the mother who threw her son off a bridge.  She needed help and probably didn't know where to turn. With licensing, one benefit could be you would have information on where to go for help.

Is licensing a cureall? No.

It would be wonderful if every child grew up in a loving, caring family. Sadly that is not reality.

Collecting My Thoughts…and More

Yesterday my collector buddy Howard and I left for our semi-annual trip to the Chicago area, St. Charles, for the Cash Register Collectors Club meeting and swap meet.  I didn't make the meeting in April. I am really looking forward to this trip.  I even have a few items left to sell at the swap meet this morning. Since it is outside, I hope the weather cooperates.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net