Most often letters written to the editor of a newspaper do not reach their intended recipients. In dealing with auto theft issues, the letter written by Judy Kessinger (“Car theft: High theft rate a warning to us all”) won’t be read by the loser who stole her friend’s car, nor will it reach his parents who failed in raising a citizen of this community.
The issue, as I see it, is the complete lack of respect for other people and their property. Things are stolen with such ease that it appears children are not being taught right from wrong by their parents. Subsequently, we have young adults as well as older adults who have no regard for other people and have no compunction about taking what is not theirs simply because it isn’t locked up. I can understand this from a very small child, however, the simple things in shaping and forming a child into a responsible citizen are, apparently, being omitted from their training as children. Of course, children learn from their role models and if their parents, or whoever serves as their role models, are thieves and have no moral values, then the children will accept that as the norm.
Unfortunately, society accepts this as part of life and makes adjustments, but I for one, cannot accept this. Entire generations of children have been damaged as a result of the teachings of boneheads like Dr. Spock. Indulging children and sparing the rod, so to speak, has resulted in a population boom in juvenile facilities and the jails and prisons. Children have to learn there are consequences to their actions.
My wife and I raised three children following a few simple rules: Treat others as you would have them treat you. Have respect for other people and their property. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don’t do anything in public you wouldn’t do in front of your mother. Certainly there are other rules, but these are the basics and all others stem from these. Unfortunately, those who need to read this don’t read the Opinion section of the newspaper. Too bad.
Marysville
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