Without A Trace


Experts say the most crucial time in a missing person's case is the first 72 hours. After that, the chances of finding the person alive or otherwise diminishes by half. That's pretty startling statistics if you ask me.

This morning while going through my morning ritual of forcing myself from bed to shower I made the mistake of switching on the morning news. It was full of the daily horrors, maladies and political blunderings of our ever-popular elected officials. Just as I was about to tune it all out with the noise from my sleek and powerful blow-dryer, something caught my ear.

At first I thought I had heard incorrectly but after listening further, realized that my ears were working properly. I even sat on the edge of the bed just to get my balance again.

Exactly when did we all lose sight of our journey from child to teenager to adult? I vaguely remember that progression to be alive and well in the 80's. At least I THINK it was alive during the 80's....it's for sure the music wasn't. (All you Big 80's fans just pipe down, I stand by my statement!)

You remember the time, don't you? When you couldn't wait for Friday night to arrive so you could all pile into the nearest Dodge Hornet or VW and cruise the Sonic looking for cute guys? But not before watching the high school football game and dancing with all your girlfriends in the gym at the dance after? (Funny, men STILL don't dance in their 30's or 40's either and are still sitting in a line on the couch while their wives/girlfriends get drunk and dance to old disco tunes in the middle of the living room.)

My point is, where has innocence gone? Is it extinct through all the cell phone, XBox, myspace mentality? What I'm referring to, (rather long winded, but it's MY blog and I can be long winded if I choose), is the report from this morning's newscast.

The Warren County School Board has passed a rule that no person over 21 years of age can attend the high school JR./SR. Prom. Makes sense right? I mean what self-respecting 21 year old do ANY of us know that would WANT to subject themselves to the humiliation? The bad rented tux; the trailer park dress with the huge gaudy bow in the back; the rented DJ who will only play "Disco Duck" and "YMCA"?

There are a number of girls in the senior class that have boyfriends older than 21 and have been told they are not allowed to bring them as dates to this year's prom. The injustice! Even notes from their parents asking permission has gone unnoticed. The Board is firm in their decision - no adult boyfriends!

One tearful teen agreed to be interviewed on camera and was seen as saying, "Just because my boyfriend is 30, I'm denied this special moment in my high school career. It ain't right." It ain't indeed.

My thought was, I want to read those notes from the parents. What would you say? Here are a few potential suggestions:

1. Dear School Board - please excuse Britney for her choice in men. Kevin just got off probation and I know they will act real nice at the dance. Besides, my grandbaby needs a picture for the family scrapbook.

2. Dear School Board - I have spent $1,000 on a Vera Wang prom dress for my precious Amber and how dare you to deny her the right to attend her prom!? I didn't send her to your school for an education; I sent her so she can hone her social skills and snag that handsome young man that runs the family business. His daddy paid for that gym - they should be able to dance there!

3. Dear School Board - What is your problem?? It's not statutory rape if they are 18 years old.

4. Dear School Board - you smell.

5. Dear School Board - missing -- my youth. Do you know where I can find it?


NOT in Warren County.