Respecting Our Parents

The very idea that someone out there felt the need to create a National Respect For Parents Day is a very sad commentary on the state of our society. Yet here we are.

While the day is meant for children (regardless of age) to be respectful of their parents, it made me realize how society no longer respects the role of parents. We want to hold them responsible if their child turns violent, yet keep them in the dark on other critical issues in their child’s life. I know I’m going to upset some people. I don’t want to get into this whole idea of gender identification. It’s a subject I don’t understand and therefore will not comment on. What I do know is that if a young person is struggling with who they are and feeling confused, that child needs and deserves the full support of their family. Taking parents out of the loop is wrong on so many levels. Adults, those in positions of authority, telling children to keep secrets from their parents sends a harmful message — and it’s a bit creepy. When states are passing laws calling for a Parents Bill of Rights over the objections of others, you know the world is upside down.

I come from a generation that might not always agree with our parents, but there was always respect. It was a different time. When I look at the world today, I’m not sure all this liberal willy-nilly approach to child rearing has worked. There seems to be no work ethic, no sense of community or loyalty. And no backbone. These were things our parents instilled in us.

Respect for Parents Day isn’t new. It’s been around since 1994. This was due in part to President Bill Clinton’s efforts to organize local governments and comminutes to celebrate the day with activities and games, proclamations and rallies. Many of those rallies are organized by the United Civil Rights Councils of American in honor of Respect for Parents Day. It all sounds crazy to me. I don’t need a government sponsored National Day to respect my parents or those in authority. It’s a part of my upbringing. That plain and simple.

Since Respect for Parents Day seems to be about family fun and family values, what could be better than the All American Hot Dog with a California Street Twist?

One last thing, since the condements were to be drizzled over the dogs, I warmed the Nacho Cheese and put it in a squeeze bottle. Table Crème is thinner that sour cream, so that also was put into a squeeze bottle. Made quick work of finishing the dogs.

California Street Dogs
1/2 Yellow Onion
2 large Jalapeno Peppers
4 All Beef Hot Dogs
4 Hot Dog Buns
1/4 cup Mexican Table Crème
1/4 cup Hot Sauce
1/2 cup Nacho Cheese Sauce

Peel and thinly slice onion into slivers. Stem and slice jalapeno into rounds. In a dry skillet, grill onions with jalapeno slices until peppers begin to blister and the onions are golden. Set aside and keep warm.

Heat a cast iron skillet with a little water in the bottom over medium-high heat. Add hot dogs and steam-fry. Continue to cook until the water has evaporated and the skins of the dogs begins to blister. Turn as necessary for even browning.

To assemble: Spit open buns, place hot dog in the center of each bun. Scatter onions and jalapenos over the dogs. Drizzle with Mexican Table Crème, Hot Sauce and Nacho Cheese.

Great with Tater Tots or French Fries. Enjoy!

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Open our heart, O Lord,
to listen to the words of Your Son.