Beware the Bad Influence?

I don't regularly vet Tommy's friends. He's two, so that would be crazy. I've never heard of a two year old pulling out a pack of cigarettes at a play date, or bringing a sippy of gin instead of juice. However, a recent experience has led me to question my lack of caution.

Tommy had a friend come over to play this week. This friend, C, comes from a good Christian family, solid stock, leaders in the church - you know the type. His mom has half the bible memorized, his dad is a Deacon, and C is always so polite and sweet.

After about an hour of playing, it was clear that the kids needed a little rest. Or rather, it was clear to me that I simply could not stand to load the Elefun yet again, so I offered to read them some books. I asked them to each pick something out. Tommy chose The Berenstain Bears Show God's Love. C? Well, see for yourself:


Look closer at this sweet scene.


What is that book that C is so intent on reading to my son?


Yes, C chose to read The Communist Manifesto. Looks like we'll have to crack open Hayek with Tommy sooner than we thought. My poor free-market boy will never be the same.


Look how he is embracing it. It is clear he really loves Karl Marx.


I know you are wondering, did he actually bring a copy of The Communist Manifesto to your house? Did he pull it out of his diaper bag? No...Jeff refuses to get rid of any of his college textbooks. I admit, C did pull the book off my shelf. But, he certainly hugged it for a suspiciously long time. Good thing he didn't find any of our Woody Guthrie albums...