I'm guessing the gangster isn't saying "You dirty rat"

Today's strip asks a good question: Where does li'l Hekkie pick up those naughty words he uses? Why, cable tv, of course! (Note the conspicuous tv guide on the coffee table.) Of course, the real question here is whether we're supposed to be all, "Television! How horrible! Corrupting our children!" or whether we're supposed to note how complacently Ma and Pa Hekkie are watching the television without bothering to do anything about it. If it weren't for that "Cable TV" guide on the table and the heading of the expo box, I'd probably actually think we're supposed to be blaming the parents--Hekkie's expression and the ghost-like question mark bubble over his head seem to indicate that he's confused why his parents would be watching that in front of him. Maybe they don't notice him in the other room?

Really, it's an enigma. Maybe we're supposed to blame both negligent parenting and those bums who allow this filth on the air. Of course, it's not like Hekkie would only hear those words on tv, unless he's never allowed outside the house.