Letter: Borough Resident Sees Sociological Changes

To the editor:

In 2012 lack of civility seems to have increased. Young people who expound an interest in the environment throw their fast food containers everywhere, including on . Adults walking their dogs in Hellertown refuse to clean up canine excrement.

Young people, while seated on the on the Hellertown Rails to Trails section, hurl rocks at the new wooden fence. The projectiles land on the grass beyond, perhaps later becoming missiles shot toward walkers or sitters at the pavilion in .

Adults exhibit road rage at the drop of a hat. The middle finger signal is not uncommon. They coast through stop signs indiscriminately with no expectation of punishment. They tailgate motorists on Main Street if the drivers are abiding by the speed limit and .

It seems that in today's world the favorite expression verbalized is "f--- you," spoken as if the First Amendment allows it. Youth scrawl this in public parks and schools, as if they are entitled.

Ask anyone what his or her favorite show on TV is, and the answer will be "Desperate Housewives" or "Jersey Shore," both obscene to the point of no return.

Yes, this is certainly a wonderful world to live in--small town America--Hellertown.

On the other hand, respectful folks abound, as do volunteers who love what they're doing. Many citizens love Hellertown, as do I. It's too bad that at times the lack of civility overshadows good intent. What has happened to taking personal responsibility for civility in 2012? I hope civility lives in a majority of hearts of young and old.

Recently an issue of "The Smithsonian" featured an article named "The King of Beisbol" about a baseball hero and humanitarian named Roberto Clemente, who sacrificed his life for civility 40 years ago. As David Maranis wrote, "In the final years of his life, his mantra was: 'If you have a chance to make life better for others and fail to do so, you are wasting your time on this earth.'"

In another issue of the same magazine, the article featuring "The 20 Best Small Towns in America" stars as numero uno Great Barrington, Mass., totally culturally different from Hellertown, although a certain startling difference exists to start off. Susan Spano writes, "You've got to slow down when R7 leaves behind the wide-open valley of the Housatonic River to enter Great Barrington. The road becomes Railroad Street there, right of way to pedestrians stalled in the crosswalk trying to decide whether to have sushi or chimichangas for dinner."

Hellertonian walkers can only dream of such an advantage. Mayor Fluck and Borough Council, you've had years to improve in this area, to no avail.

Lee Weidner

Hellertown