You have to love the pundits. They sit on the sidelines and pontificate. Most have little expertise in what they proffer to the public. But, they are paid- some way too much.
That thought came to mind when I read in the Washington Post that the Meitiv’s had no right to leave their kids alone again. (Don’t recall this story about parents trying to raise responsible kids? Here’s the link to my first mention of the situation.) After all, Child Protective Services (CPS) was on the warpath already.
Well, that got my goat! Isn’t that the same logic used by Southern Redneck Sheriffs and elected officials back in the 50s and 60s, as they described how Blacks were refusing to be shunted to the back of the bus any longer? How they wanted to attend schools with everyone else. (I recall many of these Crackers saying, “Don’t them …..s know their place in this heah’ ‘Merica?”)
The Meitiv’s may be pushing the envelope, but they are right. The law that CPS is trying to enforce does not refer to kids playing or walking outside. Only those who are being “babysat” at home. The Maryland state law demands that children under the age of 8 must be under the care of a “reliable person” who is at least 13… (Hmm. How many reliable 13 year olds do you know?) in an enclosed space like a building or a car. The law makes no reference to parks or sidewalks.
Time out. How many of you older folks (those over 32) recall playing Ringolevio (or it’s tamer cousin- Hide and Go Seek) outside after dinner every (non-rainy) night from the advent of Spring to the first day of school in September. I began playing that game around the age of 5 or 6 and stopped playing that game before we were 12. (Only because I moved away.) So, there were no “reliable” folks over 13 there.
And, again, let’s not forget that these same state authorities are too blanking cheap to provide transportation to and from school- making these same kids walk to school, for the very same distances, on the very same sidewalks every Monday to Friday.
I admit to recognizing the tinge of religious persecution. The first time the kids were in trouble was on Shabat. This time, they were coming home from celebrating Pesach- and it was a long trip back. The kids, having been cooped up in a car for hours, wanted to play in the park (it was 70 and sunny outside) and let off some steam.
Except the Montgomery County Police picked them up. Actually, no- they kidnapped them. The cops told the kids – who clearly explained they knew how and when to go home- that they were taking them to their houses.
Except… they kept them cooped up in their police car (and maybe the station) for some 2 hours. (Now, imagine, if a parent locked their kids up in a car for that time…) And, CPS held them for 3 ½ more hours.
Now, consider that the parents are frantic- running everywhere to find their kids. Because they should have been home. Did the police tell them they had their kids? No. (Again, just what kidnappers would do.) Yes, CPS informed the parents finally after a few hours- and made them wait for more hours to retrieve their kids. Endangering the kids by keeping them out until 10:30, when the next day was a school day.
I guess the good thing is that these cops didn’t shoot the kids in the back, saying they were fleeing the scene.
By the way, the Meitivs are suing CPS for their mis-use of the state law- and for endangering their kids.
