Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/633045
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Recently a 10-year-old reported to me that her friend's daddy had slapped her on her bottom twice and also held her in a way that made her uncomfort- able. The child has told him not to touch her or hold her, but he persisted. (The dad has two children.) The child has told me that her parents are friendly with this couple and that efforts to inform her folks about this "toucher" resulted in the father minimizing the events and dismissing them as "nothing." When she told me, I informed her that no one has the right to touch a child against that child's will, and if it persists, she's to seek proper authorities by dial- ing 911. When she told her father what I had said, he became enraged and called me, screaming at me and also screaming at the child. He "blamed the victim" which is, in my mind, a very traumatic response to the child — who did nothing wrong. I'm deeply hurt and very conflicted about this whole thing and would like your advice. —Protective DEAR PROTECTIVE » My concern with your advice to this child is that no 10-year-old should real- istically be expected to know what the "proper authorities" are or to call 911 in this circumstance. The child already was doing what she knows she is supposed to do, which is to tell her parents — and when they minimized it, tell another responsible adult (you) about what hap- pened and how she feels about it. If you felt this incident rose to the level of alarm, you should call the police and/or Child Protective Services to report this, so they could investigate and make sure she is safe. It seems this girl lives in a household where the parents shout first, ask questions later. I hope you can manage to stay close so she knows she always has someone who will take her seriously and do right by her. DEAR AMY » I wanted to add my comment to the "No Thanks" problem experienced by so many. I was irritated that my granddaughter never b ot he re d to t ha nk m e fo r birthday or Christmas gifts, checks, etc. After her first year in college I still hadn't received thanks for very generous checks, so I de- cided enough was enough and for her birthday, sent a nice card. That's all, just a card. To my amazement, I received an instant response from my grand- daughter via email, thanking me profusely for the thoughtful and lovely card. I laughed for an hour. Finally got her attention! — Grandmom DEAR GRANDMOM » One thing I like about this is that your granddaughter is actually demonstrating that on one level, it is not about the money. Parents punish child for reporting unwanted touching You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — Focus on what you can do, and work hard to achieve your goal. The less time wasted dis- agreeing with others, the better. Forge ahead. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — Don't wait for slowpokes to catch up when you've got so much to gain if you keep a steady pace. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Do what you can and refuse to be daunted by complaints or criticism. Bring about a change that will boost your self-esteem and prepare you for better days. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Do whatever it takes to fulfill your dream. You will have ev- erything going for you if you are willing to step things up a notch and power your way to the top. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Be careful how you handle your responsibilities. Someone is likely to complain if you make a self-aggrandizing move. Fulfill your promises and make sure your motives are honorable. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Do your best to bring greater stability to your financial future. An innovative investment or col- laboration with someone with as much to contribute as you will lead to victory. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Not everyone will let you have your way. Don't limit what you can accomplish by arguing with someone who will never see things as you do. Forge ahead alone if necessary. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Social events should be attend- ed. The people you will meet can improve your life. Romance is in the stars and will bring you great joy. Make a commitment and follow through. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Keep your distance if some- one is pressuring you. Gather information that will help you decipher what's best for you, and prepare to make a personal change. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — How you handle others will make a difference. Take the path that will bring you the most knowledge and experi- ence in order to find your niche. Romance is highlighted. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stick to basics and don't get caught up in wanting as much or more than your peers. Offer your best, and refrain from letting jealousy dictate your actions. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Make a point to let everyone know how you feel. Much can be accomplished if you are open about your intentions. Special plans with someone you love will bring you closer together. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, JAN. 28 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016 4 B