by Monte Poole

June 16, 2009

Oakland Tribune

High on the list of most obnoxious persons on earth is the mother or father who berates and cheats and manipulates, all in the name of peddling the most beautiful and talented child in the universe.

Theirs, of course.

Stage parents are regulars on competitive youth circuits, from pageants to academics to sport. We've seen them, tempers off the chain, second-guessing coaches and officials, arguing and fighting with other adults and growling at children. It's a nasty disease, uncomfortable to witness.

Well, this particular stage parent is vying to become the Father of all Stage Parents.

His name is Ron Harper, he lives in Las Vegas, and he has decided his son is too cool for high school. Why get an elemental education and experience the joys of being a boy when manhood and potential millions are beckoning?

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