Shocked by parade behavior

To the editor: I believe everyone should be held accountable for their actions—adults and children alike.

My family and I attended the Shallotte Christmas parade. I have never been so appalled by the actions of grown women and men in an environment where everyone around you can see and hear everything that you do.

I have never encountered such disregard and disrespect for others than I did that day.

I watched adults with their children and could not believe what I saw. Small children knocked over, fingers stepped on, and the language was horrific. All of this from people who are looked up to.

Adults should take time to think about what is said and done in the company of others. No wonder our children don’t know how to act. We are supposed to be the ones that instill their values and beliefs in them, and I truly believe we are failing.

The parade was a prime example. It starts a one end of Shallotte and ends at the other. Tell me why a parent would allow their children to stand on the yellow line in the middle of the road? The Sudan Daredevils could not even get down the street without clearing the road first.

Santa and Mrs. Claus were asking kids to back up so they wouldn’t be hurt. “We will throw the candy to you,” they said.

I heard one parent complain her child was being hit with candy. When I looked down, the child was standing within arms-length of the float going by. Of course your child is going to get hit standing that close.

One time I heard a lady say something about her child being knocked down. The reply from the other parent was, “It’s just candy.”

Why would you even reply with anything but “I’m sorry”?

I really don’t know what to say about all the trash. I watched the wrappers fall to the ground like it was snowing. We brought a bag for candy. Why not bring a bag for trash? We wonder why our kids don’t know how to act. How can we punish them for not teaching them right from wrong?

I hope the people who need to read this get a chance to and if you know someone who might need to be told in a not so obvious way, take this to them.

I don’t mind being the one to blame.