"Hate Crimes & Children"

 In Manitoba this week, a court case continues on, regarding custody of two young children. One child was sent to school covered in swastikas, pro Hitler rhetoric and other racist markings. Both parents are proud of belonging to a "white supremacy group" and freely express their conviction.

The mother has since confessed " showing poor judgment in allowing her daughter out in public looking like a ad for "white supremacy". Yet the father is fighting for custody of the two children aged 8 and 4, he argues his constitutional right to freedom of expression and religion have been violated.

I would like to offer the following opinion.

Any "parents" who use their child/children as billboards to promote hate crimes need to be investigated. The fact that the father freely admits to using his children as billboards to promote hate and violence should be dealt with in a court of law.

People who do this should be required to complete a parental course on the effects and consequences that parents have on their children, re:  future attitudes and beliefs, self-esteem issues and overall child safety issues. 

Street Smart Kidz is not, or ever will be a political web site. We just believe in keeping kids safe. Putting your political views in writing, on your child's body, then sending your children out into the public eye isn't keeping your child safe!

Last but not least. When that "precious, beautiful bundle of joy" is handed to you, you are actually receiving a perfectly blank canvas. You have a responsibility to make that canvas a beautiful work of art, that loves and appreciates diversity, respects his/her fellow man and loves and enjoys the wonder of this world. Please, don't make a canvas of hate, fear and anger.

 Steven Baird