[pjbk]

This. It is impressive to realize how distant the lifestyle of people living in cities and rural towns has become. I was raised in a rural area (30+ years ago, not in the US) and was direct witness of kids my age or younger doing things that only "adults" should do to survive and maintain their families. They didn't know better and considered their situation a totally natural and common thing for the lack of a comparison point. If they were lucky, their environment was supportive and it was not rare to see people in charge stretching the law for them if needed. The unlucky ones were abused with responsibilities and labor that no child should be exposed to.

I cannot attest about this particular case, but I can believe that in a similar situation today with all the access to resources through technology we have, the things that capable kids under these conditions could do would be far more reaching than ever.