"The Fine Print", by Michael Schrader

<span style='font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>"The Fine Print", by Michael Schrader

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<span style='font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Whwhat Is the Rust

Why Should I Have To Pay To Watch Your Child?

(Written and posted 03 June 2009)<o:p></o:p>

Like many organizations throughout the country, The City of Tulsa is facing a significant budget crunch thanks to the ongoing recession. The city is slashing discretionary expenditures such as travel and furniture purchases, freezing hiring, and even furloughing employees for eight days in order to bring expenditures in line with revenues. These cuts, plus some small utility rate increases, will help the city weather the proverbial storm if the recession does not drag on indefinitely. However, if the economy continues to wallow, the city has several programs it will cut to make up the difference, programs that are in fact luxuries, and not necessities. However, it’s amazing how we have come to expect such luxuries as necessities.

One such program is the school crossing guard program. Unlike numerous cities, the school crossing guards in Tulsa are not provided by the schools, but by the city as a service to the school districts; the city is under no legal obligation to provide this service. So, it is reasonable that when the city finds itself in financial straights, it would consider ridding itself of a voluntary obligation that can and should be performed by others so as not to disturb the performance of necessary obligations such as police and fire protection. Think about your own personal budget for a minute – if you had to choose between ceasing your pledged contribution to a charity or not buying groceries, which would you choose? The pledged contribution, of course. After reading some of the comments about the idea of cutting the crossing guards on the local paper’s website, I really wonder if people wouldn’t forgo the groceries, instead.

One comment that I read basically stated that if the city cuts the school crossing guards, and this person’s child gets hit, then this person would sue the city for negligence in removing the crossing guards. As another commenter responded, if this person is so concerned about the safety of his/her child and wants to make sure that that child gets to school without getting hit by an automobile, then why doesn’t this person just take his/her child to school? I agree wholehearted with the second comment. Since when has it become my obligation, through my contribution to the government, to make sure someone else’s child gets to school safely?

You will hear a similar sense of entitlement when you talk to advocates of speed humps. They will tell you that the government needs to do something, anything, to slow motorists down because their precious children will be killed by speeders. Why is it the government’s responsibility to protect your children? Is that not the parents’ responsibility? Why are these parents allowing their children to be in harm’s way? A street is a place for vehicles; it is not a play place. Yet how many times have you driven down a street and seen it adorned with basketball goals?

When we become parents, we assume responsibility for not only our own well-being, but that of our children as well. We have the legal obligation to protect our children until they reach the age of majority. Part of that responsibility is being our children’s conscience and common sense. Many times, this creates conflict between us and our children, but it is a necessary evil if we are to fulfill our parental roles. Too many parents these days have this viewpoint that they should be friends with their children, that children should be free to experience life and express themselves. I have told my children numerous times that I am not and never will be their friend; I am their parent. Oftentimes, friends are enablers who encourage us to misbehave and do stupid things and laugh at us when we make fools of ourselves. Parents cannot be enablers, and therefore they cannot be friends. Parents, good ones anyway, do not spare the rod when the rod is necessary. Most of all, parents need to diligently protect their children from themselves.

You want to ensure that your child doesn’t get run over by a speeder? Don’t let them play in the street. You want to ensure that your child gets to school safely? Take them there. That is what a responsible parent does. If you can’t be a responsible parent, then give your child to someone who will be; there are plenty of responsible people out there who’d love to raise a child. It is not the community’s job to be responsible for you. I have my own children to fret over; I shouldn’t be forced to fret over yours, too.

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