Rudeness to Child

* On Nov. 15 my 8-year-old son joined his Boy Scout troop to stand outside a local store, asking customers as they entered whether they could buy something extra to give to the needy. I told him that it was fine for people to say no, and I was on hand to hear that he said plenty of pleases and thank yous. He was unfailingly polite and respectful--unlike quite a few of the adults whom he approached. He was snubbed, ignored, almost knocked over in their rush to get past his entreaty.

So to those people--here is your opportunity to justify your rudeness to a third-grade boy wearing a Scout uniform and giving up his Sunday afternoon to do something to help the less privileged of our society.

I would love to know what your reasons are, as for two days I’ve tried to think of an explanation to pass on to him.

PETA NOBLE

Rancho Palos Verdes