Recently I saw that charges are pending against a Georgia store clerk who spanked a boy who was being "disrespectful." If I had my way, charges would be pending against the boy and his parents.

Too many times I have witnessed children being rude, mean, disrespectful and without manners. If this generation is going to lead in the future, we are all in big trouble.

My generation was taught to say "yes ma'am," "no sir," "please," "thank you," and "may I." It was not considered child abuse when we were disciplined.

We didn't have iPods, iPads, cellphones or computers in our rooms. We played outside, rode our bikes with no helmets and yes, drank from the water hose. We didn't tell our parents to shut up. We didn't dictate when and where we would go.

I can't even visit a library without experiencing some of today's youths being loud and disrespectful of others.

Yes, times have changed, but manners have not. The parents of these spoiled, undisciplined children are creating the type of people who will probably end up on the proverbial roof with a rifle. God help us all.

Charlotte Kilzer

Cahokia