Published on Wednesday, July 13, 1994
© 1994 The Arizona Republic

The low-level lawlessness that is being tolerated in our society is being bred into a new generation of citizens in our city. As adults shoot their firearms off on New Year's Eve and Fourth of July, their children and neighbor's children learn that violent crime is OK. ''Daddy does it, so it must be OK.''

It's no wonder our children think it's OK to spray graffiti and kill one another. ''Daddy does it, so it must be OK.'' Daddy may do it, but it isn't OK. It's not funny. It's not cute. It's against the law. It's deadly. This level of lawlessness is subtle but very sinister.

Don't expect your children to just say no to drugs, gangs or other forms of violence if you teach them it's OK.

Next time you shoot your gun into the air for the ''fun of it,'' remember one thing -- you have just taught your child or your neighbor's child it is OK to irresponsibly abuse a deadly weapon.

The next time you see graffiti spray painted on your business or hear about another gang drive-by shooting, remember that what you have done is as equally irresponsible and dangerous. Remember that your irresponsible behavior has just contributed to a wave of lawlessness among our youth -- all of our youth.

Richard Donley Fox
President
Phoenix Block Watch Advisory Board

Type of story: COMMUNITY VIEW / LETTER