BY GARY JOHNSON
Reprinted from Loose Change (TCBMag.com)

Teenagers, a breed unto themselves. We’ve all been “there,” self-absorbed, emotionally flammable—a weird space equipped with steroidal physicality, hormonal monsoons, and magical blinders that make us think we know more than we do. It’s one reason why teenagers shouldn’t be paraded out in public too often. Case in point: McKayla Maroney.

McKayla is 16 years old. In my world, a baby. No question, Ms. Maroney is an incredible physical talent, capable of athletic accomplishments most kids her age are not. Kids sometimes shock us with their acumen. One recalls a 6-year-old Tiger Woods hitting 250-yard drives, or an 8-year-old Michael Jackson dancing his bejeezus off on Ed Sullivan—gifted children capable of pushing the outer limits of performance and skill. In the end, though, they’re still little kids and mostly emotional midgets. Continue reading →