Editor, Times-Union: As a politician parades are a big part of my job. I like to walk the parade routes because you can actually shake a hand or say hello up close instead of yelling at them. I also like to hand out candy instead of throwing it at the kids. With my luck I would throw that piece of candy that would poke a kid’s eye out.
We actually get instructions on how to throw candy so that doesn't happen. You throw it on the ground in front of the children. What is this world coming to?
Back to my candy story.
As I was handing out candy to the many kids lining the parade route, I was pleased to hear so many, “thank you’s” from the children. When the child didn’t say thank you the parent would say, “What do you say?” If the child was too young to yet talk the parent would say thank you.
Kudos to the Mentone parents and grandparents for insisting that manners are important. Those lessons will serve the children well when they grow up. As adults we tend to forget the importance of a simple thank you.
A big thank you to the children of Mentone for their politeness.
Again, as in my past letters to the editor, this is nothing that will win a Pulitzer prize or change anyone’s life but it is worth noting. It’s life simple things that make a difference.
Rebecca Kubacki, State Representative Syracuse, via e-mail
