August 11, 2013Dear Sir,Are we encouraging a culture of bad behaviour and law breaking by a seeming reluctance to openly rebuke members of our society who demonstrate scant regard for decency and antisocial behaviour? At the slightest perceived provocation you will hear daily the vile and loud “f bombs” going off regardless of children or anyone else present.The thinking now appears that acidic profanity has become etched in our DNA and therefore is appropriate to release anywhere if we are angry enough. It is now the norm to vent our displeasure by settling our disputes with cussing out those we disagree with, good and proper.Never mind we may be totally in the wrong as we can always excuse ourselves by saying we were stressed out at the time — therefore it is understandable, really?“The Man” (police) need to know that offensive words goes with the territory and can expect this verbal excrement and be understanding. Offenders before the courts are the salt of the earth and victims of circumstance who just gave their hearts to the Lord and expect the magistrate to be lenient and give them a break. Seems that no one should be meted out the full punishment prescribed by law.Not every offender before the courts are guilty as charged but they are not all innocent either. Is it a good thing when an acquittal take place to see rapturous joy outside the courts so common place? Mr Editor, I leave your readers to be the judge.Outrageous behaviour in the sporting arena and aggressive and menacing attitudes to the officials all to common place. Add to that reluctance to condemn atrocious conduct witnessed by the fans and TV cameras. Due process should prevail of course but rotten and ugly attitudes witnessed by all and no comment on the spot? That is the poster boy for behaviour that should not be tolerated.We have become soft on bad public conduct and now pay the price for not bringing these reprehensible acts to book, with younger people now observing what we will tolerate. Beware the next set of offenders more violent and out of control!I am of the considered view that we suffer from the very lax attitude of demanding higher standards of personal carriage for our young people and the weak kneed approach to penalties and accountability for bad behaviour is a recipe for the harvest we are now reaping!Instead we appear to reward and give succour to conduct, attitudes and behaviour that should be met with appropriate punishment and not cuddling wrong doers. We owe it to ourselves for a better and more civilised society.WAYNE B SCOTT