Dear Abby: I have a friend who has been having problems with his son, “Logan.” It has gotten to the point where “Sean” is scared to be with Logan. The boy has begun showing psychotic behavior. Abby, Logan is only 5 years old.
Sean told me that Logan was torturing the family dog. He almost blinded the poor animal before Sean got rid of it. When Sean asked Logan why he was hurting the dog, the boy shrugged and replied, “I like the way it feels.”
Logan is in counseling and has had every test possible done, however the counselor says he is “fine.” The counselor said that he behaves this way because he is being “neglected.” But that is not true. I can’t understand how a child could say that he likes the way it feels to torture an animal. He knows the difference between right and wrong. What can I do, and where can I go to get this child help?
– Mystified
Dear Mystified: It’s time for your friend to consult some other doctors about his son’s behavior, because the boy’s counselor has been unable to help him. There is nothing wrong with seeking a second – or third – opinion. …
Dear Abby: I am perplexed at the number of people who do not read newspapers or even choose to tune in to TV news programs.
Only one of my five children keeps up with current events. With a wave of hands, most of my family dismiss local, regional, national, political news, all world issues, etc., claiming they don’t care to know any facts or issues because they’re all too disturbing. They claim that what is going to happen is going to happen anyway, and they are too busy with their personal lives.
I remind them that we live in dangerous times, and it’s their responsibility to be informed and alert for the safety of their families. They pooh-pooh me, saying I’m a fearmonger.
In my 75 years, I have seen and heard a lot. I know what can happen when a country becomes too complacent. Is the American populace falling into the trap of “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil” – or am I just nuts?
– Concerned Grandma
Dear Concerned Grandma: You’re not nuts, but has it occurred to you that your family – and many other people – may not suffer from lack of information, but rather burnout from getting too much?
Although I have heard a few people say they no longer feel connected to the political process because they cannot, as individuals, influence the outcome, thankfully they are few and far between.
Write Dear Abby at DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
