On game shows and fiscal responsibility

Are they kidding? Today's strip just blows me away. There is no way that these situations are remotely comparable. One involves watching a television show. One involves your own money. If people on a game show don't win $1 million, it just means they don't have that extra money. They don't actually lose any money. And when you're watching at home, when you have no actual investment in the outcome, of course you want to see them go for it! What do you have to lose? It doesn't affect you at all. I have pretty much the same reaction as Pop, though my lexicon doesn't include "Cigarette money!" (Although, $50K seems about right to buy a couple cigarettes.)

However, if your own kid wants $5 to go to the mall, that's your money. And not only is it your money, it's also about teaching your kid some fiscal responsibility. Does the kid do chores and get an allowance? If he does, then why should you give him more money? It just means that he wasted what he had, and he should learn to budget more wisely. If the kid doesn't have an allowance, then you probably should figure out some sort of system for how much money he should get.

And really, $5 for the mall? What is the kid supposed to do with $5? I'm going to hope that he already has some other cash, but wanted a little supplement. Because $5 will get you nothing. If your friends go to the movies, you can get them a small popcorn, but that's about it. You're certainly not going to be going to the movie with them. Maybe he needs the $5 for a new haircut, because I certainly hope that Hekkie's not paying much more than that. For the love of God, Scaduto, stop with the Prince Valiant haircuts!