DEAR ABBY: I had to write, in the hope that you can help to solve a growing national problem. I took my 11-year-old son to a ballgame recently. We had a wonderful time except for one very unpleasant thing. Four grown men (who appeared to be about 50 years old) sat in front of us. They were swearing so much I had to confront them. What I said to them, and what I would like to say to all the other adults out there is, "If we expect better behavior from our children, we should behave better ourselves."
It makes me angry to see adults behave so inappropriately. I miss the days when a man would be mortified to discover that he'd used such vulgar words in front of women and children.
I hope you'll print this, Abby. Maybe it will change at least some people's behavior. Feel free to use my name, because I'm proud to be a responsible adult who cares about all kids, not just my own, and I'm not afraid to speak on their behalf. -- MAGGIE ROSE, EDMONDS, WASH.
DEAR MAGGIE: I'm sure the vast majority of parents will applaud your effort. And for the rest, readers, if this is you -- please, for the sake of the children, sanitize your language when you are in public.