Responsible behavior with result in respect

The signs of spring are everywhere. Robins in the yard, flowers popping out of the ground, lawns getting green and youth on skateboards, scooters, stunt bikes and roller blades with no regard for anyone. Whoa! Where did that last one come from?

Parents, why aren't you teaching your children respect for other peoples property? Do you allow strangers to come to your house and play on your porches, doing things that could cause them, or someone leaving your house, injury that could cause you to be sued? If not, why do you let your children do that very thing to businesses around town?

It is no wonder that people have little respect for these sports. There are some great youth out there, but unfortunately, these "untamed" ones are making things tough for everyone.

If a business owner or employee confronts these same youth in any way, most of them get mouthy, sarcastic and argumentative instead of just saying," I'm sorry and I won't do it again."

Let's try and correct this problem by teaching responsibility to our youth and hopefully some respect can grow from it on both sides.

RICK LARKIN

Sandpoint