It's Time to Rescue Our Children

Regarding the June 11 front-page story "4 Pr. George's Teens Held in Fatal Beating":

The killing of a man, allegedly by four teenagers? Prince George's School Superintendent John E. Deasy said the crime "defies logic," but it does not defy logic at all. I agree wholeheartedly with Del. Doyle L. Niemann (D-Prince George's) in his assessment of the situation. Children are increasingly exposed to values that contradict good behavior (such as intense materialism and, yes, glorification of disrespect and violence) and are being given more and more control (for example, through impotent disciplining techniques -- if any at all -- that send the unspoken message that children essentially can "get away with murder"). And, yes, all of this is being supported, directly or indirectly, by us, the "adults."

And, no, this isn't occurring just in "certain parts of town." If someone isn't there to show what is good, children (as well as adults) will naturally incline to the bad -- seeking instant gratification -- in whatever form the bad may take.

In this case, it may have been killing someone. We need to take a hard look at and make radical changes in the messages we are giving our children as well as in the values we are espousing. Otherwise, things will only get worse.

"Save the whales"? I think it's time to save the children.

TERRI LISKA

Silver Spring