Am I becoming Walt Kowalski?

[SandW_itch]

You are becoming Walt. Welcome to the club.

 

[GKC]

Part of the problem is most of these 'people' grow up in fatherless households. They've never been taught self-respect, morals, etc. The further problem is, if they've never been taught, they're never going to teach their children, etc. so the problem now is ingrained in our society.

I understand the impact of not having a father present in the home, or even not in the picture at all. I know that single mothers have a harder row to hoe than a couple has (theoretically....some might do better without some deadbeat in the house.) Still, I don't feel inclined to give single mothers a pass for not teaching her children manners, honesty, etc. Those are not the exclusive purvey of fathers to impart, you know?

 

[Capt Steve]

Could not agree more with the OP and I too am only 61. The stupid factor out there is mind boggling and growing every day and the really scary part is a lot of these folks make babies and vote! I guess that explains a lot... sigh.

 

[moe l.]

I understand the impact of not having a father present in the home, or even not in the picture at all. I know that single mothers have a harder row to hoe than a couple has (theoretically....some might do better without some deadbeat in the house.) Still, I don't feel inclined to give single mothers a pass for not teaching her children manners, honesty, etc. Those are not the exclusive purvey of fathers to impart, you know?

True, but these single moms end up having to work or starve. So the kids have no one to 'be there' or to provide the needed discipline. I wouldn't want to be faced with their choices.

I could get into a long debate of how a lot of this has come from high taxes....forcing both parents to work to maintain a lifestyle that formerly was achieved with one parent's income....etc....and schools that have BY DESIGN, dumbed down our kids so that a 'stupid voting block' is created to preserve the power of a particular political party....etc. etc...

 

[Mickey D]

GKC,

You are right, it happens no later than 62 to most. Some earlier. When Grand Torino came out, my Son called and said "Dad, they made a movie about you." He still thinks I was a consultant.

LOL, My daughters said the same.

 

[PA Reb]

Now hold on a second. I'm all in favor of these young men with their pants hanging down. Those pants save many cops from having to do a lot of running. The suspect runs away to avoid arrest, his pants fall down around his ankles, he falls face down on the ground. He is in the right position to cuff, and he is just taken to jail. Sure, they look stupid, and I really don't want to look at someone's butt or dirty underwear, but it is better than having to chase some punk a quarter mile.

You're a cop and you carry a weapon, correct? Then why on earth would you chase anyone, especially the type of individual I visualize in your description, a quarter mile? Lead (not lead as in a fishing sinker) and squeeze man !

 

[GKC]

True, but these single moms end up having to work or starve. So the kids have no one to 'be there' or to provide the needed discipline. I wouldn't want to be faced with their choices.

I could get into a long debate of how a lot of this has come from high taxes....forcing both parents to work to maintain a lifestyle that formerly was achieved with one parent's income....etc....and schools that have BY DESIGN, dumbed down our kids so that a 'stupid voting block' is created to preserve the power of a particular political party....etc. etc...

When I was growing up, my parents were not wealthy by any means...both worked. They made it abundantly plain that if I got in trouble at school, or anywhere else for that matter, I was going to be in MORE trouble at home. There was no excuse, debate, or question. It was a given. During the day, I went to school...again, not a question. At night, I did homework. Again, not a question. I had chores to do at home, and if I wanted spending money, I got a job (I did get an allowance until I was old enough to get a job, but I had to earn it...it was not given to me.)

I know a lot of things have changed in the decades since I was a child...and I know that it must be even tougher for a single parent (father or mother) today. I think what is wrong with this country today, though, is in no small measure due to people who have children but don't want to be parents. Anyone can give birth to a child...but only a parent can raise one with love and discipline.

 

[bloo]

And they wonder why I spend all my time with my dogs. Had a lot to say but think I will leave it at that. When a kids hears how awsome they are from their parents, teachers, coaches and others how do you expect them to grow up. It's all about them. My daughter in law is a teacher and you should hear the stories she tells about the little ones 5 and up. Gets told to - herself by kindergarten kids on a regular bases.


Ted

 

[chud333]

GKC,
I've also got some Walt in me from time to time.
I believe we all do. One of my mothers favorite sayings,
"This too shall pass". These annoyances may or may not
be here for the long haul but try to look for the good in people
and remain positive. There are still good folks and kids out
there. They are just getting harder to find these days.
I try to instill in my grandchildren the responsibilities of being
honest, loyal, and to live your life with integrity. To treat others
with respect until they give you a reason not to.
The cell phone thing these days really gets in my craw.
I don't know how many times i've watched people who are
being completely inconsiderate or just plain rude while using
them. And every time i see someone with one of those blue
tooth deals behind their ears i just want to walk up and do what
old "Walt" woulda' done and smack it off their head.

Chuck

 

[Beemerguy53]

Part of the problem is most of these 'people' grow up in fatherless households. They've never been taught self-respect, morals, etc. The further problem is, if they've never been taught, they're never going to teach their children, etc. so the problem now is ingrained in our society.

This is such an insightful post! So many kids today are reaching adulthood without ever having had the firm guidance only a loving father can provide. We are paying the price for 'modern' social thinking, which holds that men are unimportant and that women can raise children on their own (as long as the taxpayers send money every month).