[DougD]

Wow. Some of your responses explain to me exactly why this happened. There are a lot of people out there the just don't give a damn about someone else's property.

Any parent who lets a 2 1/2 year old run free at a car show is one of these. No 2 1/2 year old is responsible for himself. The parent is. Period.

I raised my kids to be respectful of others and their property. Until they moved out of the house as young adults, I felt like they were my responsibility. Had the kid been mine, I would have told him that touching was off limits, and had he continued, we would have left the show and he would know exactly why. And I would have apologized to the car's owner.

Having said that, I frequently let kids sit in my cars at shows. I am always hovering nearby. If I see a kid who is respectful and curious, I ask him/her if they'd like to sit in the car (after asking the usually nearby parent if it's OK). They are typically surprised, but usually consent after a few seconds. I belt them in, let them wear my race helmet, etc. The smiles are priceless, and hopefully another car guy or gal is hatched. And maybe a future Prius sale will be a new Ford instead!

I'm not a veteran, but anyone who wants to try to kick me into a dumpster is welcome to try. Send me a PM for an appointment...