Because of the whim of Krystle Newquist, a 14-year-old Little League softball player, a local Lemont business, The Carousel, will discontinue its 26-year sponsorship of two Lemont Little League teams, rather than face the expense and aggravation of a threatened lawsuit (Metro, Aug. 19). Krystle objected to wearing a team jersey with the name of a lounge, The Carousel, because her grandfather died of alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver.
Presumably, she consulted with her parents about her concern, and at that point, wise parents would have reassured and counseled their idealistic daughter.
Surely, with patient explanation and reasoning, as well as respect for a teenager’s evolving values, parents can help their children to approach problems with an open mind, considering all aspects of an issue, rather than a narrow focus. In this case that would include understanding the necessity of rules and regulations within a large organization like the Little League, as well as the fact that the name of a lounge has no more potential harm than the name of a grocery store that sells fatty or high-cholesterol foods (and liquor), a hardware store that sells sprays and glues, or a drugstore that sells over-the-counter drugs. The parallels and silliness are endless.
It has been a pitiful spectacle to watch. A misguided child has been allowed, indeed encouraged, by adult enablers, to subject a fine organization, the Lemont Little League, and a loyal supporter, The Carousel, to unwarranted grief and aggravation.
