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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Tough Talk, But You’re On Target

Ann Landers Creators Syndicate

Dear Ann Landers: This is a response to “McLean, Va.” about the “unfair” trouble people can get into these days. If a mother can be sent to jail because her daughter skips school, then mothers had better make sure their children go to school. If a parent can be held responsible because her son is growing marijuana on the premises, then parents need to pay more attention to what is going on in their backyard. If a person can be sued because, while he is not even at home, his neighbor cut an overhanging limb from his tree and it fell on a visiting child, then we should make it a point to keep our trees trimmed.

Too many people in our country have become disgracefully whiny and victim-oriented. We’re all so busy trying to defend our perceived “rights” that we seem to have forgotten our personal responsibilities. We also seem to have lost our common sense, forgotten the Golden Rule and ignored the fact that in order to maintain a healthy society, it is vital that all its members be willing to make personal sacrifices for the good of all. I’m not as proud of America as I once was. We’re too often at each other’s throats. Unfortunately, it may take some national calamity, maybe a war, to pull us back together again. If we would control our whining and selfishness, we could teach the next generation tolerance and compassion and turn this country back into a civilized society. - Wisconsin Reader

Dear Wisconsin: You have written a very hard-boiled letter, but I cannot disagree with any of it. Thank you.

Dear Ann Landers: After graduating from high school, I found a job and considered moving out of my parents’ home. I bought dishes and glassware, did a lot of partying and made no real effort to find my own apartment.

After about a month, my mother asked, “When are you going to get a place of your own, Linda?” I said, “I can’t possibly move out yet, Mom. I still don’t have pots and pans and silverware.” Two days later, Mom came home and said, “Here are your pots and pans and silverware and your new address and phone number. Your roommate is your sister.”

Since the age of 18, I have been independent and self-supporting. I should tell you, Ann, I am No. 5 of seven kids, so Mom was pretty good at it by the time my turn came to move out. If she had not given me the shove I needed, I might still be living at home.

It’s a big mistake for parents to allow their grown children to become so comfortable that they have no incentive to try their wings and go for independence. Sign me - Linda in Texas, Who Is Grateful to Be Out of the Nest

Dear Grateful Linda: Thanks for the testimony. A word from one who has been there beats anything I might say. I appreciate the backup.

Dear Ann Landers: My name is Ruth, and I am from Boyce, Va. I love those old Burma Shave signs your readers have been sending in. Here’s mine.

If necking on the highway is your sport, Trade in your car for a davenport.

Dear Ruth: Thanks for a good one. There will be more next week.

Gem of the Day A fanatic is one who cannot change his mind and refuses to change the subject. - Sir Winston Churchill

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