...When All is Said and Dunn

So many times when we think a problem is solved we become complacent. The recent concerns about Small Pox are a perfect example. As far as we were concerned, here in the United States, this disease was no longer a factor. Vaccinations were not needed and the drug manufacturers ceased producing the vaccine. Now that there is a potential threat that the disease may resurface via germ warfare, drug manufacturers are scrambling to whip up new batches.

The same thing happened last year with graffiti. After a sharp decline in the amount of graffiti on our walls and businesses there was a dramatic increase of this vile vandalism. Again, after the problem begins to go away, we shift our focus and the disease begins to creep back into our lives.

I have begun to notice another of my pet peeves resurfacing and it seems to be coming back at an alarming rate. It is something I am sure most of us don’t think about as much lately with so much to draw our attention on the world stage. But it is one of those things that has always been with us and shouldn’t be. That would be littering.

Littering is one of those problems, especially during the holiday season, that you don’t think about unless something happens to draw your attention to it. In my case it was while I was driving, a time when I am on a heightened state of alert, I saw the person in the car in front of me blatantly toss a candy wrapper out of the window.

With the way that my mind works that little action is akin to lighting the fuse to my attention. Now my eyes are on a state of alert, watching to see if this was just an isolated situation or, if like everyone else lately, I just wasn’t paying attention. Unfortunately it was the latter.

Not more than 10 minutes later I watched in amazement as first, the parent driver in a Mercedes Benz tossed a lit cigarette from his window, and then his ill mannered spawn chucked his soda can out from the passenger side of the car. This was a perfect example of where the problem lies.

From the time that our kids were able to comprehend the concept, my wife and I have drilled the concept of not littering into our childrens’ minds. It’s to the point that even if we weren’t in the same state, I’m sure they would be looking over their shoulder before doing anything that even resembled littering. Something that seemed to be lost on the Mercedes family. Maybe there was something in their lease about not using the ashtray or keeping a trash bag in the car. Whatever the reason, this behavior is unacceptable in any civilized society.

I think we should blame the motion picture theatre owners association. Under the guise of an entertainment venue they are teaching and condoning the practice of littering. Where else do you go that it is acceptable and encouraged to throw your trash to the ground?

The only trash receptacles are in the lobby and not in the theatre where the consumption of vast quantities of popcorn, candy, and soda go on during the presentation. Considering that the edibles are usually gone before the completion of the film you are basically expected to leave your trash on the floor by your seat.

If you were a relatively new resident of this country and had not been subjected to the ad campaigns of 20 years ago featuring weeping Native Americans at a trash dump, you may not know that littering was a crime. Especially if you frequent movie theatres and can’t read the signs on the highway saying that if you litter you are subject to a $500 fine.

I think it’s time that we begin to refocus on this problem and begin to re-educate all of our residents, new and old, that here in this country we need to respect our surroundings. That if you are new to this country, whatever was the norm in your homeland is not to be repeated here. That we need and should be teaching all of our children to break the cycle of disrespecting the environment.

The wrappers do not fall far from the Mercedes.