Don't blame parents for bad choices

To the editor:

I have to respond to Mildred Fox's letter. Vandalizing churches is a heartbreaking situation. I do not condone what the vandals have done in any way, shape and or form. And I agree the vandals need to suffer the consequences of their actions.

However, to blame the parents and hold them accountable for what these vandals have done is unfair.

While I do not know all the parties involved, I do know that one of the suspects was adopted by a wonderful couple. This couple raised four boys that I know of, all of whom they adopted. They are wonderful people and upstanding citizens who did everything they could to bring these young men up in a Christian home with strong moral values. This couple went above and beyond anything they had to do.

Do not be so hasty to judge the parents or anyone else when a young adult or child takes a path that is less than desirable. As parents, we can only do so much. Then we have to let our children make their own choices. They are only placed in our charge for a short while.

SHERRY HOERNIG, Benton, Mo.