Now we go and revisit the group of eighth graders that felt there was something wrong with the system. That in a education society
cast system that catered to the lambs. That left many that had the raw talent and skill, but did not get the 'gifted and talented' stamp of approval. So their will and desire either withered to the sounds of minimal wage to buy pampers and save up towards that double-wide mobile home. In the education system there are only three main ways to stand out. One is to be knighted 'gifted and talented'. The other is to score the most touch downs or shoot hoops, depending on your current scale of urban development. Then the other is to stand out in what you believe.

Can the non-traditionalists with their own fashions and resist to main stream media make it in the real world? Does the nerd that carted his books around in a carry-on luggage with wheels know that the corner office on the 17^th floor would be his just as long as he studied real hard? No, it's because he knew that a high score would be good enough for the entry exam. But that "Uncle Moneybags" would be the funding source behind him to get that corner office. Now just take away the ability to pay for an education. It would be really dumb to put your life dedicated to a dream that has a very slim chance of coming true. That would cause any intelligent Jr. High student to get release from ways of other mind-altering methods other than reading a book.

Unfortunately, there will always be the extremist that takes things to far. From harmless stink bombs, spit wads and smoke bombs being the arsenal of choice. To sub-machine guns and deadly pellet impregnated pipe bombs with all the intent of a crack assassin on killing or maiming those that made the shooter "feel bad". For every non-violent movement there is always the violent that makes authority figures fearful of all those that stray from the normal predictable behavior. Is cigarettes, booze, TV, music artists, or the 360 calories in the fast food burger responsible for the corruption of today's youth? Not entirely these things all add into the environment. But during the crucial years of childhood development, children stop following their parents' teachings and follow the advice of their piers. Environment influences every living creature that calls earth home. But its not just physical environment, but also social environment.

For most of Da THUGS, some after a while began to fall into certain grooves and found it easier to fall into the cookie mold and allow themselves to be stamped out into outwardly sociably acceptable persons. Did these THUGS stray from the original cause? Perhaps its more of just every day life wearing down the spirit. Much as a drop of water can bore a hole through solid stone. Many are married and have a young child to care for. But if you were to look into the eyes and you would see the spark of rebellion still burning and smoldering. Not wanting to endanger the life of a soul their child that has not yet chosen which path to walk. Yet, others are still among the ones that are still able to rally toward chaos with just a grin and fight for what they feel is right. Striving for positions among the 'gifted and talented'. Whether it is using charisma to get a bigger tip or having to drink Lone Star Lite beer to be able to afford next semesters book fees. There is a little chaos in everyone. And people show it in different ways. Body piercing and tattoos or just the way a person thinks and acts upon their free will.

Vagabonds and doctors, both have similarities and differences. There was no way to tell which kid was going to grow into what role in life. But 'gifted and talented' could very easily turn into welfare checks and crack pipes. Every one can learn, but what you decide to learn is the individuals' responsibility. Trying to light a fart, and learning how and why a fart lights on fire is the difference. The class clown could be the program analyst that lives down the street making US$85.00 an hour. Or, could be that taxi driver that dropped you off at the airport and told the joke about the naked nuns and the blind man. Every 27-year-old working at a pizza parlor has a story. So does the 23-year-old e-mail administrator working in your office building with a better parking spot than yours, has a story. But will you want to hear it? I got paid to write this story. Did you get paid to read it? Just more Gold Bond Snake Oil, and the ramblings of your truly.

~texmex