My thoughts: Our responsiblity as enthusiasts

So, the logic is, if you're not going to raise your child to be responsible, then it's up to me? Since when? This is why society is decaying. People don't want to take responsibility for their actions or for anyone in their family. Therefore, it's my responsibility to make sure your kid is doing the right thing? No way. Not ever. Do it yourself or don't bother having kids.

Dragster Freak, here's one motivation:

If they aren't eventually taught responsibility, they'll end up stealing your stuff.

This is the essential argument that even dyed-in-the-wool small-government types can buy for why it might make sense to have a compulsory public school system.

I'm once again reminded of a truism that a good friend told me. When you have kids, and they reach kindergarten age, make a point of attending the parent orientation day. Look around the room and listen to the other parents. You'll realize, in thirty seconds, that approximately 1/3 of your child's classmates are doomed.

*** Edited 5/5/2004 4:16:01 PM UTC by Brian Noble***

Ok, here goes. If I see a kid attempting to do harm to themselves or anyone else or defenseless animals, I would say something. But, if some kid is acting up in an amusement or not obeying the rules, well, then it is up to park emloyees or management. Plus, do you really think they are going to listen to me? Some stranger? Not likely. More likely is they will tell me is "f**k off, you're not my dad!"

Once in a blue moon I'll see some kid doing something so stupid or obnoxious that I have to comment, and not just in a park. About half the time, I do get some rude comment back. However, almost all of the time, the stupidity/obnoxiousness ends.

Works for me.

Thank you for understanding my point Brian Noble. Outside of being safe, the only responsibility I have to myself is to be happy and have fun. Anything else and I could be getting paid for it... AT WORK.

As for being a member of a coaster club or affiliation, I'm not. Does that exonerate me? Somewhat. I think being affiliated with ACE in THESE times is a dicey proposal. JMO.

Brian, who says "Just let me ride in peace".

I don't get what is so complicated about this issue? Don't be an idiot! It's that simple. When you go to a park, you don't have a responsibility to do anything. Responsibility implies that you have to go out of your way to act a certain way. It's different than common decency, which is what we exhibit when we go anywhere. Those that don't are just bad people and the world is full of them. And as far as acting up on a coaster...that's not responsibility... that's just common sense! Again, don't be and idiot! Period.