Do you ever feel like Mrs. Kravitz? If you don't know or remember Mrs. Kravitz, she was the nosy neighbor on "Bewitched", and although I'm not peering into neighbors' windows, I have found it nearly impossible to keep my mouth shut on certain issues.
From parents who park illegally after school, to teachers who discipline like it's 1950, to the damn Balloon Boy's parents, it just seems like a lot people out there are crossing a line, and the Mrs. Kravitzs of the world need to speak up.
You may ask why should I care? When a father instructs his child to hide while the nation prays (and pays) for his safety, I care. When a parent parks RIGHT UNDER THE DO NOT PARKING sign EVERY SINGLE DAY, I care (and I get pissed). When teachers discipline my daughter (and other students) from the dark ages, I care (and I get irate.) Why? Because they have crossed a line, and I refuse to look the other way. I just can't wrap my brain around this rash of people feeling entitled to do as they please. Do you know that when the balloon landed, all the safety vehicles tore up a neighbor's wheat field and his crop is ruined? Or, can you imagine that when there were problems with a teacher at our school, there were parents who did not want to complain because, and I quote "I don't like to make waves." It is just not in my nature anymore to let things go. How can I keep quiet - when you park wherever you please, not only are you making it unsafe for other cars and children, you are basically flipping us the finger everyday. When a teacher punishes kids by making them suffer physically or emotionally, you are showing me that you have absolutely no idea how to teach and guide young children in 2009, and when a father lets a young boy be part of a national hoax----well, don't even get me started on that one.
I remember being in my 20s and being nervous about confrontation, but now it is so liberating to call people on the carpet and say "You did something wrong, and I/we are not going to let it slide." In fact, bring it on - it is you who have forced me to become Mrs. Kravitz because I care that my kids learn right from wrong, I care that my friends' kids are safe, and I care enough to tell you that your decisions stink! So be forewarned, I have the local non emergency police number on speed dial, the Assistant Superintendent knows when I complain, I mean business, and I know people in the media. So, if you think you are going to get away with something, think twice when it comes to this Mrs. Kravitz.
As I read this over, maybe I should owe all you holier-than-thou-above-the-law rule breakers a thank you - thank you for giving me opportunities to show my kids how to speak up and not be fearful of the consequences. And most important, thank you for allowing my inner Mrs. Kravitz to shine through.
