What We Are Teaching Our Children

To the Editor:

We all agree it was very unfortunate regarding the recent detention session incident at Newtown High School. Common sense dictates that the parents of the alleged perpetrators give their kids a stern “talking to,” punished (maybe some community service), and most important, a personal apology to the victim.

But for some, that’s not satisfaction. Why don’t they sue the parents of those charged? No, that’s not practical — what if they’re financially strapped or even worse live in the same neighborhood? A better thought — sue the town!

Well, now the rest of us are indirectly involved as taxpayers, so consider this proposal. Compensatory damages are in excess of $200,000 and with some rough math, means every individual might owe $10 ($40/household assuming a family of four). Since the lawyer expects half, let’s lose the ambulance chaser and all send $20 directly to the victim thereby saving us all money and indigestion when reading about lawsuits.

Bottom line — look what we are teaching our children, how sad.

Philip Palilla

16 Winding Brook Road, Newtown                                 July 31, 2008