[A Snake]

In my part of the world, there are way too many rice burners A.K.A. jap racers and not nearly as many good streetrods, customs and Cobras.

What few cruise ins we have are rarely invaded by the punk crowd.

when I was in Southern Indiana, it was a completely different story. Streetrods were king.....period. I didn't see enough riceburners to wad a shotgun with. Even the kids had some sort of American iron. Even saw a full out sprint car on the street, wing and all.

During the season, Evansville had more cruise ins than anyone could ever hope to attend. Kids there still "drag the gut" on Greenriver Rd., just like we did in the 60's out here on the coast.

Cops just park and watch. Rare for tickets to be given. What a breath of spring!

Evansville (pop. 250,000+)and that general part of the world still have it together for family values, which is why there is very little of the punk mentality. When there is, it is generally "imported" from a big city or one of the coasts.

In the year my son Ray and I spent there, we never did see a single "punk" at any of the local cruise ins. They were just good old fashioned fun. Burgers, shakes and fries 'n hot rods. We saw some of the neatest cars I've ever seen in my life. Many were easily good enough for magazine coverage.

Only a handful of Cobras though.

Just shows that the "punk-ass" mentality isn't everywhere.

Honestly, I really believe it stems from the pace of life of the parents. Too busy or self involved to take time with their kids as they are growing up. Between that and way too many single parent families struggling to survive, the kids lose out on being taught manners, respect for others (and themselves) and plain old self discipline.

In short, they are trying (like all kids) to get the attention they need from moms and dads. When that fails, out comes the negative behavior. Kids will always get attention one way or the other.; They keep trying until they succeed whether it is the right kind or the negative kind. They're products of their environment.

The old saying "Families that play together, stay together" is absolutely true. I proved it myself, watching my kids grow up and observing the kids they ran around with. The happiest, best behaved kids, came from real families with lots of love and caring. The others, the punks and drop-outs, all came from dysfunctional families. Barfly parents, welfare mentalities....you get the picture. Funny thing is, the happiest families are rarely the wealthiest.

Maybe, when the punks show up again, somebody might try taking them under a wing. Probably a tough job getting through the shell, but who knows what that kid could be if given a chance.

Just some thoughts.

Al