Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade is a "Thriller"

My thoughts sent to the Editor of the Lake Forester after attending the Lake Bluff, Illinois 4th of July Parade.

I attended the Lake Bluff 4th of July Parade for the first time this year. I was expecting a festive display, celebrating our Nations birthday. Instead, after seeing the Lawn Mower Brigade, I walked away wondering when our community lost its sense of decency and became so self-centered. Even the Lake Forester’s coverage is shocking, proclaiming “the lawn mower brigade mocked pop singer Michael Jackson, who just finished a lengthy trial on molestation charges.”

A mockery of Michael Jackson? This was far beyond that. The Lawn Mower Brigade’s display mocked the current issues of racism and child abuse, starting with Mr. Lydon Neumann stepping over the bounds of decency appearing in white face. I am not even able to fathom what he was thinking.

Then you bring on the rest of the brigade, wearing t-shirts proclaiming “Michael has touched us all” while pushing lawn mowers made to look like strollers. Mocking child abuse and molestation is not humorous on any level. I can’t even imagine what a current or recovering victim of child abuse, was feeling while watching these men make fun of what happened or is happening to them.

Now that the infamous Lawn Mower Brigade has thrust these subjects into the spotlight, I hope they will do something about the ongoing problem of child abuse and racism in our communities. Perhaps we all could use some sensitivity training and a few hours of volunteer work at a local chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America (http://www.preventchildabuse.org/) or another appropriate organization.

It’s time to be kind