Made In America Concert...

This Labor Day weekend, 2012, Philadelphia is center stage, in the spot light, is concert central for Jay Z's Budweiser Made In America Festival. The event has literally shut down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway!

This post is not about my personal opinion of the genre or of the performers themselves. I'm a teacher, so when I found out what the ticket prices would be (http://www.madeinamericafest.com/ticketing.html) and the number of enthusiastic concert goers they were anticipating, the wheels in my teacher-mind began to spin.

I began to think of how many of the concert goers would be parents of school age children. I began to think of both the responsible and irresponsible parents that would be in attendance. I began to celebrate in my mind, those parents who would spend some of their money to go and enjoy the festivities AND who also made sure that school supplies were purchased, uniforms were updated and clean, the refrigerator and cupboards were well stocked, among the countless other responsibilities that come with the words "It's a boy/girl" (and even prior to....but I digress). I began to respect the fact that these parents can go and have a slammin' good time with the peace of mind that they did right by their children!

Then I thought of those parents who would be in attendance, who may be irresponsible. So many other appropriate adjectives come to mind when describing "those" parents, but I'll be nice......today. I began to think of those hands that will be out, looking for someone to "hook them up" with supplies, uniforms, food, etc. I began to think of the field trips that their children will be invited to attend and the "I don't have the money" notes that undoubtedly will arrive at school. I began to think of the class dues that "we can't afford" which may be $150 for the year (http://www.madeinamericafest.com/ticketing.html). I began to think of this, as the irresponsible parents will shell out $99+ without regrets or second thoughts while the needs of their children go unmet.

Because of the uncertain economic times in which we live, I wouldn't dare make the erroneous assumption that everyone that needs help is being irresponsible! Mais-non! Everyone needs help from time to time. I have no problem with my tax dollars and even my personal dollars going to assist (whenever I can do it responsibly)! Make no mistake! But to those who would spend $150 at a concert and have their children come to school ill-prepared, shame!

To the parents who are parents indeed, balancing your personal pleasure and fun with your roles and responsibilities as caregivers, I applaud you!!! You are phenomenal!! Many of you are single parents making it work and you are to be commended! Many are two-parent households, also struggling to make it work! Sometimes we don't celebrate you enough! So here's to you! {clapping hysterically}

To the other parents who put your looks, your fun, your enjoyment, your relaxation, your needs, you you you, you, you, you, you, above your children, I really hope you change your ways! If not, then I earnestly hope that your children will grow up to be better parents to their children than you were to them! So many have done it!