More cheaters than you think


If you’re one of the ones who’s shocked at the news of the college cheating scandal, then you might not be paying enough attention to your neighbors’ everyday activities.

As you go about your business, take notice of the car parked along the red (no parking) curb; the cars that barely slow down at stop signs or when turning right on a red light.

The family in front of you in line at the amusement park whose parent tells their 14-year-old child that if anyone asks, they’re only 11. The teacher who reports that parents are doing some of the child’s homework because they were out late or at practice.

The driver you see on the road, looking down, then up, and you know they’re accessing their cellphone.

The neighbor who brags about the time they were at a busy restaurant and falsely claimed they had made a reservation, and the restaurant then put them ahead of other customers to get a table.

More adults in the community model poor character than good. Sadly, a child who grows up with parents who do not practice good character ends up practicing those same poor traits.

This scandal and many others have been going on for centuries. It will take a monumental effort of humans striving to practice good character to overcome and expose those who are not.

It sometimes seems like only public shame will stop poor behavior. Maybe we should be publicizing more of what we consider minor infractions of poor character to ensure ones of more consequence don’t occur.

So, am I perfect? No. But I, like others, strive to act honorably, kindly and with high morals. When I sometimes fail, I reflect, make amends and keep going.

I hope others will decide to keep the pillars of character in the forefront of their mind as they interact with others in their life. Hopefully these outrageous acts of poor judgement will diminish.

John DeLuca
Oak Park