THE IMPETUS FOR THIS BOOK HAS BEEN THE RECOMMENDATION OF PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH'S NEW FREEDOM COMMISSION ON MENTAL HEALTH THAT ALL AMERICANS, AND ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, RECEIVE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS. IN THE PAST, WHENEVER THERE WAS CONTROVERSIAL CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION REGARDING CHILDREN, IT WAS EASY TO INTRODUCE AND PASS PROVISIONS IN THE BILLS REQUIRING PARENTAL CONSENT. HOWEVER, RECENT ATTEMPTS BY U.S. REP. RON PAUL TO REQUIRE PARENTAL CONSENT FOR, AND PROHIBIT FUNDING OF, MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS FAILED. THIS LEADS MANY TO WONDER WHETHER THERE MAY BE A LARGER AGENDA AT WORK HERE, AND IT IS IN THIS NEW BOOK THAT THIS LARGER AGENDA, ITS BACKGROUND, AND ITS FUTURE IMPLICATIONS, ARE EXPLORED.