Who is Ultimately ResponsibleWhen did we learn that checking our morals and ethics at the door was acceptable behavior? I learned, as I grew up, that there are very few instances in life when it’s alright to abandon hard earned principles.
I find it appalling, and call me old fashioned if you must, that entire cities now advertise that it’s within acceptable limits to come there and misbehave. Phrases such as ‘What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas’ are prime examples of condoning behavior that it unacceptable anywhere else and in any other circumstance. Rather like a grown-up ‘Neverland’ with no rules and no immediate consequences.
Modern day parades in cities such as New Orleans and Tampa, for example, make allowances for women baring their breasts for a string of cheap beads. Drunken men make every effort to fondle as many of these women as possible. If that were my son or daughter on either side of that equation, no matter how old, I would be leaping walls and boundaries to haul him or her off and give them a piece of my mind.
When did Spring Break become a time to start drinking at 8:00 in the morning that our young people are falling out of three story windows, driving off with people they don’t know resulting rape or death? When I was in college Spring Break was spent either trying to catch up on sleep or visiting with my family and friends.
Why do our government officials disregard this behavior and make allowances for this lack of morality? Why do they ride on floats or walk along in parades with their authoritative stature encouraging this sort of depravity? It all comes down to the mighty dollar. This is good for business, good for their economy, and good for tourism. It’s not, however, good for this country’s moral fiber. How are our young people going to acquire the ability to discern what is right or wrong? How are they going to develop good judgment when they observe those in authority participating in things that are dishonest and immoral? When did it become politically correct to allow behavior we know is completely detrimental?
Morality starts at home, it’s not the responsibility of schools, or government, or even churches. Parents are ultimately accountable for bad behavior on the part of their children. The more we make government liable for good behavior, the further this country will sink into corruption.