The opinions expressed in "For What It's Worth" doesn't reflect those of the management and staff of The Carolina Scoop....although it probably should!

Feedback and responses are welcome at mayhew.jon@gmail.com

"Where are the parents?"

That was the question recently posed to me by my wife, Elizabeth. We were looking through reports at the Lincolnton Police Department one day, when we noticed the overwhelming number of teenage suspects involved in crimes ranging from larceny to attempted murder.

Not to mention, the recent stories coming out of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office regarding the high number of teen suspects involved in crimes with firearms.

Where are the parents?

And here's a question I'd like to add: "Where's the accountability of the parents?"

Back in my day, if we even thought about shooting someone, or shooting up someone's property, or shooting someone on someone's property, we'd be disciplined so fast with a Hickory switch or belt that we couldn't sit down for at least a week.

I've been there before, but never ...ever... for a criminal act against anyone else.

If I had, I'd be arrested. My parents would bond me out of jail (I hope)....then wear me out! The biggest "crime" I ever committed was jumping my neighbor's fence to play with horses next door.

Today, however, it's a different story with teenagers.

Crimes range from larceny of a pair of shoes from Shoe Show and attempted murder in Lincolnton to shooting shotguns at people's cars and pets in Vale.

And let's not forget the handful of controlled substance violations from the teens in East Lincoln.

Again the question comes to mind "where are the parents?"

Today, if parents discipline their children, they're questioned whether or not they are abusing their children.

Take the woman in the grocery store in Lincolnton. A few months ago, a report was taken by a third party that a woman was "abusing" her child when, in fact, she disciplined her child.

Bravo to that woman! I used to get popped on the behind by my mother for misbehaving...and worse......

Back in my day, my mother would smack me if I got out of line in the grocery store. And if it was something far worse -- like directly disobeying my mother -- then I'd get it from my dad....which was ten times worse, in many cases.

The criminal suspects of today are ranging in age from 14 through 19 and, generally, don't seem apologetic for what they do.

Maybe if there was a law passed holding the parents accountable for the actions of their teens, then maybe we'd quit asking the very simple question:

Where in the world are the parents?????

Something to think about.....

Until next time, editorially yours.....

Jon