Many mothers are addicted to caffeine and cannot handle going without during the nine months of pregnancy. The damage done to the fetus is a very critical issue in this time of development. Occasionally we see pregnant women come into Starbucks and buy a cup of coffee and wonder if we should say something. We do not of course and mind our own business. They are probably well aware of the risks they are causing their future child. Maybe they do not believe the reports or figure one more cup will not hurt. And maybe that one cup itself will not, but day after day we see them there again.

As we move towards a national health care system, we will be responsible for this child as they grow older. We as a nation, you and I as taxpayers, will be footing the bill in the case of special education classes if that child has issues with learning. So much for the Child Left Behind Act. If the baby has any early complications well we may end up paying for that too. If the child grows up and becomes un-trainable, un-teachable or uncontrollable we are the one¡¯s who will foot the bill with additional education costs, additional police, jails, prisons and rehabilitation.

If we choose not to mention it and mind our own business, we will pay for it later. If we say something we make an enemy of a stranger. Yet we also see that probably nothing will change in either case and in the end it is up to the mother herself to be responsible and stay out of Starbucks unless she is buying decaffeinated coffee. If you are a pregnant future mom; please do what is right for the future of the nation and your child, it is your responsibility. Think about it.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/