We need foundation of respect for authority

How can we have a civilized society when there seems to be less and less respect for authority?

Whether it's the police officer called to a crime scene, a teacher in the classroom or a flight attendant on an airplane, in each instance that person is in charge (the authority). When they tell someone to do something, the directive should be obeyed. If the person being addressed thinks the person giving the directive is wrong, they can use the proper channels to correct the wrong, but not obeying at that time is not OK.

By not listening, chaos is usually the result. I was raised, and I raised my children, to show respect to those in charge. That doesn't mean those in charge are never wrong. There is a time and place to resolve an issue and it's not at that moment.

Of course, the media feeds and encourages this behavior by giving it constant coverage long before all the facts are known. I thought an important part of "freedom of the press" was complete and accurate information, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.

It's disappointing when you see how the press feeds the frenzy by not being sure what they're reporting is all the correct information. Often little or no information is given as to what the perpetrator has done to cause the situation, so the public is left to believe something that is all too often not true.

Too bad they don't devote as much time to the good things that people do and not give so much attention to the troublemakers. There are so many wonderful people in this country doing great things, so why don't we hear more about them?

Janet Lumm

Schaumburg