An earlier article here addressed some of the issues associated with the lack of standards in American society. Today, I came across a well-researched, tactfully honest article regarding one aspect of a larger problem, and the conclusion is clear - BAD PARENTING is rampant, and its damage is profound and lasting. This article addresses education gaps, but I beleive the concepts can be applied to other issues, including work ethic, sense of personal responsibility, duty to community and country and attitudes toward morals, childbearing and marriage. The article is wonderful:
CNN "Commentary: What Parents can do for Their Kids" by Ronald F. Ferguson
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/07/17/ferguson.education.parents/index.html