Shouldn't behavior be improving?

The recent texting while driving article is further proof of the "dummying down" of our society. Secretary of State Jessie White stated that "law enforcement must get after individuals violating the spirit of the law."

What has happened to the self- responsibility of the individual to do what is right and to not put others at risk while driving? In DuPage County and beyond, there is an increasing government and marketplace seller policing of illegal and unempathetic individual behavior.

Consider the following that I have witnessed in everyday life: 1. In Wheaton, where I live, when I walk the dogs in Seven Gables park I see a sign on the tennis courts: "Excessive noise and profanity can lead to arrest." Why should the town of Wheaton have to post a sign to inform you to be courteous of others and to not use swear words? 2. At the Wheaton Rice Lake Water Park, a daily announcement is made: "Parents are responsible for the supervision their children." The Park District has to instruct parents to watch over their own offspring? 3. As a Chicago Bears season ticket holder, I am advised on how to text or phone security to report "foul or abusive language or behavior." Why can't ticket holders be accountable for their own actions?

One must ask where the proper parental education and discipline is for their kids. Are schools at every level teaching right versus wrong and its consequences? The statistics showing a growing number of 35 and over adults doing more texting while driving is proof that a "me first" and self-absorption attitude are adding to the dummying down in DuPage County.

Individual behavior in the '50s and '60s was not this irresponsible. Shouldn't each succeeding generation be better behaved?

Jim Lentz

Wheaton