As a society, we are suffering because of the overdose of tolerance exhibited in your column on September 26.

There is nothing Australian about littering, vandalism, obscene language and violence.

If youths choose to display disrespect by practising any of the above so be it. That is what democracy is about.

Please when they do, do not trivialise those actions because of the effect it has on more moderate others.

Push the envelope: rubbish; push the boundaries: more rubbish; extreme behaviour: very risky.

In a pack mentality, when the young lion plays up, the old lion steps up and sends the young one back in line. Yes, Mr Ellard, standards have slipped so far that misbehaviour has become the norm.

Shame is that some grumpy old men act and say as you do. It is always someone else who is less tolerant who gets them out of trouble.

B. Cumberland,

North Nowra.