I wrote a blog on manners a few months ago...little knowing the things that would pop in in our country's headlines in the near future.

In the last week, we have had three instances of incredibly bad manners.  Disrespectful, rude and even threatening behavior from people who are supposed to be at the very least role models for our young people.  Leaders in their own chosen profession.  Is this the type of behavior we want our children emulating?  Where did Serena, Joe and Kanye get the idea that it's ok to act out this way and treat others so badly?

And I don't really give a shit that they each apologized.  Or did they? 

The fact is, this type of behavior should never be tolerated in our society.  Yes, yes...I know you will start crying "What about the 1st amendment??"

My question is, did the 1st amendment apply when a father beat his son's ass for calling his mom a bitch?  I don't think so...

Did it apply when a parent put soap on their kid's tongue for saying "dammit"?
No...

What about when a child interrupted a conversation between two adults, and was told to go to their room?

Nope.

This is how I was brought up.  You don't cuss (at least not in front of adults).  You are respectful of others, and you don't interrupt people when they are speaking.

As for threatening someone...why did Serena only get a fine?  Isn't that assault? 

Oh yea...she was "in the moment". 

SHE WAS ON INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WATCHING HER!!!

And Kanye...had a little too much to drink.

He knew exactly what he was doing.  If I was his mom I'd would've gone up on that stage and dragged him down by his ear...then smacked him upside his head!

As for Joe Wilson, I don't know if his "You Lie!" expletive was racially motivated or not.  I do know that there is plenty of yelling from both sides of the floor during sessions.  However this was not the time or place for such behavior.  Again, had I been his mom I would have given him a good smack upside the head as well.

These three people should truly be ashamed of themselves.  Yet none of them really seem to care.  Oh yes, they've all issued apologies.  But really, are they contrite?  Have there been real consequences for their behavior?

Has there ever been consequences for them?  I have to wonder what their parents are thinking right now?  I know if it was my kid I'd be embarrassed...and make no secret of it.

Too many times in the real world I see parents who defend their children's bad behavior.  They make excuses (he's ADD...she needs a nap...) but there are never any real consequences.  I've even seen parents reward their kids bad behavior...especially in places like Walmart...by just giving in to the demands (I WANT A FUCKING CANDYBAR NOW YOU STUPID BITCH!!!  ok sweetheart, mommy still loves you...)

Let me ask you something...

If, during a staff meeting, you shouted out that your boss was lying; what would happen?

People...we all need to be held accountable for our behavior.  Regardless of our social, economic or political status.  Our words and our actions are a reflection of who we are.  We cannot expect others to respect us if we are not respectful ourselves and teaching our children to be respectful.

 The First Amendment does not give us the right to behave badly. 

Go ahead and challenge me on that one.  I dare you...