Parents already hurting over children’s crimes

Regarding the Dec. 11 editorial (“Driving parental responsibility”) about Cedar Rapids Police Chief Greg Graham's request for an ordinance “to hold parents and guardians more accountable for their children's actions.”

It is sad that the chief of police finds it necessary to have an ordinance drafted by the Public Safety Committee. It would seem that a police force would have the ability to form its own philosophy/policies to be in alliance with its employers, the citizens/taxpayers of the community.

According to the statistics from the city of Davenport, an overwhelming majority of parents do want what is best for their children. It seems cruel to fine law-abiding citizens for the mistakes their children make. Is their heartbreak not punishment enough? There also is this fact: Many of these parents have incurred financial hardship secondary to having to pay the fines imposed upon their minor children whom they are already responsible for and accountable for, under present laws. It seems unlikely that inflicting more fines on parents will coerce them into caring about their children.

Sue Dirks

Marion