First off, I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support during my Father's passing. I am truly blessed to have such a loving partner, fantastic kids, unbelievable family and friends.
Secondly, (because of recent events in my life) I haven't been able to print some of the responses I have received concerning past columns of mine. So here we go.
A reader responded to "Remember when" which was my column from May 24.
"I totally agree!! I got spanked when I was a child as well and it was definitely not abuse. I did not have bruises but I did get the belt often and never bruises. To this day I still respect my parents. When we, as children, did wrong, we knew the price to pay. Unlike children of todaythey merely have time outs and all the bonuses of life taken away, yet still no respect for not only their parents but for none of the elderly. We gave respect because we were taught to give up our seat to anyone older than us. Where and when did society go wrong? By telling parents they have no right to discipline their child, nor do teachers, nor does society. There is so much disrespect these days and we wonder why??? Why is it that some children stay seated when an elderly person stands? The legal laws these days have so much control over discipline that it is almost impossible to raise a child that has respect for their elders and for their parents. How many parents have heard "if you do that I will call social services on you?" When will it be that a parent can be a parent and raise their children the way we were raised? With respect!
Without getting social services involved in your life, for potentially abusing your child, it is almost impossible because the school system teaches the children that they should never feel threatened from their parents.....why? So kids should just do what they want? That is why we have kids with no RESPECT!
You can also add that when I was a child and I had a chair and an adult walked into the room ... if I did not have enough respect to say "here you can have my chair'" my parents looked at me and that did it for me. And then they did that (thing) with their eyes that said you know better, then you never did that again. You respect your elders... period! You are young. You can stand or else go in another room. They have earned the right to a chair."
Well said by my reader, but by the time I was done reading this response, my blood was boiling again. This reader has hit the problem smack on the head (obviously where a few kids should get hit). The bigger problem is that you can't really blame the kids. Kids will be kids. If you ALLOW them to do whatever they want, they will! Simple as that. It goes back to my statement about being a parent and doing YOUR JOB. Quit trying to be your kid's "buddy" and be a parent. Your job is to bring that child up to be a viable adult and to be able to function in the world. You can't cover little Johnny's butt when he's out on his own (if that ever happens) and society gets a hold of him.
I have many readers comment about protecting the young offenders. Their parents can't be held accountable because these kids are 'under age'. Well, first of all, the saying "if you do the crime, you do the time" should be honored. Whether it is with community work or heaven forbid an actual "job", these kids are getting off too easy. I say hit the parents' pocket books and make them pay for their kids' actions. Maybe they might take it a little more seriously when it's coming out of their own pockets.
Remember, one day you'll just be a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one!
I also had a reader ask, "Have you considered asking the people if they are in favor of the new lane markings of some intersections? I believe two have gone back to the original. Many of us near 7/11, DO NOT like the new lanes." Let me know your take on this statement.
Maxine's saying: Don't let aging get you down. It's too hard to get back up.
Pet Peeve of the Week: I don't really know how to put this subtly, so here it goes. I would appreciate it if you 'younger' girls would consider actually putting on some clothes when you are out in public. I don't need to see your boobs bouncing, your "vajayjays" (that's Oprah's term) half hanging out or every piercing or tattoo that you have going on. Once again, that goes back to the parents. Apparently these kids don't have a job so I "assume" their parents have paid for these skimpy outfits and body accessories. There is nothing classy or cute about seeing 12-16 year-olds looking like.welltramps. I wear more clothing in the comfort and confines of my home than some of these girls wear out in public. Old fashioned? I think not! Morals and respect? I think so! Maybe that's just melet me know what you think!
