I remember when I was a boy growing up in the seventies, my brothers and I would take our bikes and go all over the neighborhood. We lived a little too far from the movie theater (unfortunately) but we could go to a couple of stores, the woods, and all of our friends' houses whenever we wanted to, especially in the summer. In fact, all the kids in the neighborhood did that. Of course my parents wanted to know where we were going and told us when to be home, but that was about the extent of how much they watched over us. I think they were just glad we were out of their hair most of the time. Sure there were dangers...one time I was riding my bike on the side of the road and was side-swiped by a guy on a motorcycle. I still have a small spot on my leg that has no feeling in it because of that. But I have so many memories of good times with my friends and exploring the woods and fishing and playing down at the creek. And when we got a little older we did find our way to the theater too (of course...can you imagine me staying away from the theater?). A kid learns a lot by having freedom like that.

I suppose you could argue that there are more dangers in society now; more creeps out there who want to abduct children. I don't know. But is it really that much worse today than it was back then?