Here’s to the kids who generally behave themselves

Every once in a while a comment is posted on our Web site that amazes to the point of being — what’s the word — incredulous.

As suspected, the story and following editorial about four-wheeler abuse raised some hackles on both sides of the fence. But the most illogical of all was a comment that seemed to indicate that we might be thankful for the kids out raising hell on machines because they could be somewhere else doing meth.

Those are the only choices?

Don’t think so.

For starters, most kids with caring parents are home in bed at 3 a.m. If they’re asleep, they’re not causing trouble.

Most kids seem to get by just fine without doing drugs or riding a four-wheeler. How do they do that?

If they’re old enough, they have part-time jobs. Or, they play baseball or soccer or help out around the house and mow the lawn. They join the Scouts or they pester an adult into taking them fishing or camping.

They could volunteer to help out in their community.

Heck, if they know a kid in the grade ahead of them, they could find out what new subjects they’ll need to learn this coming school year. Hit the library and get a head start to better grades.

Start training for fall sports.

Call a buddy and go for a walk or a hike or a bike ride.

Four-wheelers or meth?

How absurd.

But that’s what keeps the district attorneys in business and the jails and prisons full.

Just because the sun is shining doesn’t mean curfews don’t exist. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean kids get to do anything they dang well please. They have to be accountable for their time to a responsible adult.

And they have to be given reasonable choices regarding how they spend their time. If given only two choices, vandalizing property while four-wheeling or doing meth, then the results will be bad or worse.

Need ideas for other choices? This newspaper routinely prints events in the community that kids might enjoy.

For example, in today’s paper readers will find an item about the activities for kids and families at Spring Creek Farm. They cost little or nothing.

If an activity of any kind costs a little, it’s cheaper than a ticket or bail or a visit to the doctor or rehab.