Letter: Keep children safe by teaching respect

Parents, if you want to ensure your child will not be a victim of violence, teach them (from a young age) to have respect. Respect for their parents, respect for their teachers in the schools and respect for police officers. But, even more importantly, respect for their own bodies.

Drugs and gangs will not enhance their young lives - those destroy lives. Keep your children safe by teaching them to respond to each other with peace and respect. Respond to teachers with kindness and respect. And, by all means, respond to police officers requests (or demands) immediately. Do not argue with police. Do not ignore police statements. Do not try to fight with police, or run from police. Do not look at the police as your enemy; see them as public servants whose mission is to keep you, and your neighborhood, safe with a healthy environment for families.

No parent wants to have to bury their children or grandchildren.

Carole S. Gauger

Cedar Rapids