I think another aspect is the State's greed for power and the resources required to finance its schemes.

Back in the days when we "braved" the weather, there was (in most cases) a mom willing, able and available to respond and attend to the needs of her children. Now that the State has made it nearly impossible for only one parent to work during childrens' most formitive years, there are a whole new set of challenges, pressures and complexities.

I am grateful to God that we've been in a position where my wife has not had to work. When I've been across the country during a storm, I've had the peace of mind that my wife would be able to respond in any emergency or unexpected event, without the pressures of a boss, co-workers or a paycheck.

I think part of the pressure to jump the gun on snow-related closings has a lot to do with the responsibilty that has been transfered from parents to schools as we've drifted toward tyranny.

I have always thought, that past a certain age, people who claimed to like winter were really paraphrasing "I enjoy proving I can take it". That may still say something something positive about character.

Come on, "cowboy up".

Truth be told, there are a lot of factors at work. No one "walks to work" anymore, a closed road is a serious handicap. Having our servants, the public employees, freely granted the day off must effect the thinking of many. If the state can operate with only "essential employees" reporting to work, perhaps that should be extended. Still I wonder on the effect of being told you are not "essential".