The decline of service in the US

[Checkman]

Well guys look at it this way. Nothing lasts forever and that includes countries. Human history is full of decline and collapse. Things break down the center does not hold. In other words things get flakey.

Guess it finally had to happen to us as well. Oh well. China and India are now up to bat.

Whoops. Got to go. Just got a tweet.

 

[NFrameFred]

Well... I can pretty much guarantee that the youth of today will do a lot better job with this country than their parents and grandparents have done.... or this country will no longer be.

The mistaken idea that the youth of any particular time do not take their responsibilities seriously enough is as old as the race as evidenced by the much referred to Socrates quote that could have been written just about anytime. There's always been somewhat of a 'generation gap' as the natural order of things. And you get no disagreement from me that the past couple of generations have let things slip terribly. One could point to the horror of what we went through in WWII and postulate that because those Depression hardened folks who sacrificed to save the world from the Nazi conflagration were victorious, and remembered how dear a price they paid, that many of them over-compensated in giving their children too much and being too lenient with them. Love and reward without discipline and responsibility is a recipe for disaster and makes for poor citizens.

Human history is full of decline and collapse. Things break down the center does not hold.

This.

I fear because of the rapid changes in technology and paradigm shifts in culture that are unique to our times that can be compared to nothing in the past, we are at a crossroad of fundamental difference never before encountered and it remains to be seen just how far down the slide we are. I don't think these threads are an attack on youth in particular, but a discussion borne of frustration that there seem to be ever larger segments of society that display no standards, do not value traditional morals that are the glue of a successful society, but demand 'respect' (which I was taught is not automatically given but must be earned) and equality of outcome instead of opportunity. Far too many (without even thinking or realizing what it means and who provides it) look to the government to "fix" things and take care of them instead of adopting an attitude I was exposed to early in life - "if it is to be, it's up to me". The propensity of some to not be happy with even a level playing field, but expecting others to give them consideration they have not earned is a part of flawed human nature in many - what we get too easily we esteem too lightly. We are our brother's keeper and we do owe our neighbor that which we want for ourselves. That takes individual responsibility.

"The center does not hold". This a profound and obvious observation. Just like a bridge or any structure, if you don't have a strong foundation in the middle to hold it there will be a collapse. The edges, or fringes in this case, are weaker but survive by being supported by that center. When that center is weakened and deteriorated the whole structure is peril. Manners, true respect, personal responsibility, civility, and some semblance of societal order for those who make it work are essential. Many of us see the erosion and wonder how much more deterioration the house can stand. The old fable about killing the goose who laid the golden eggs is apropos; continue to drain the middle, prop up the incompetent, elevate those who do not deserve it for the sake of plurality and equality, dismiss those who insist on standards, and sooner rather than later you can watch it all go away.

Whoops. Got to go. Just got a tweet.

I got it, if no one else did, and I liked it

 

[enfield]

. . . . The number of college freshmen being REQUIRED to take REMEDIAL classes that will being them up (previous) high school graduation standards is absurd. . . . .

Bekeart

That's not new. When I registered for classes at WV in 1967 I was told that all incoming freshmen HAD to take English 101, aka Bonehead English. Fortunately you could test out of it, and I did.

Unfortunately, I didn't learn until 2 years later that I had to make up the credit hours.

 

[tedog]

As an elderly friend of mine use to say, we have seen the best of times, sad but true.

 

[ldp4570]

I can only speak for myself and my children, both are still school age(I started late in life). I was born and raised on a farm in North Georgia, and nothing came easy, so be it the same for them now. Their manners aren't lacking, unlike most of their friends they are not from a broken home. Their education is of prime importance, and I've called to task several teachers on their conduct in class. Some of their teachers act more like administrators than teachers. Every school they've been to hates to see me walk in the door.

I'm retired military US Army, and that background is used at home for building dicipline, respect for others, and to help those less fortunate. Rude behavior isn't allowed period. Due to their teachings and training at home they are more mature than their peer's, and tend to be thought of as outcasts except by their teachers. Their grades aren't perfect, but better than most, and they've seen lots of their other classmates having to go to summer school or repeat the same grade. Part of their responsibility training has been done on the firing range. My son is only 13 and shooting in matches from IDPA, to Steel Challenge, and Military rifle(not an AR but a 1903A3), he also knows that if he deviates from his responsibilities, starts failing in school all this stops. I've also started back teaching martial arts to my son and daughter, even with my handicaps, I can get them through the basic's which is what they will need anyway.

I'll get off my soapbox now.

 

[Checkman]

NFrameFred
I got it, if no one else did, and I liked it

Well glad somebody caught the joke.

I wish I could take credit for the stement about the center not holding, but I borrowed it from William Butler Yeats famous poem " The Second Coming"

The Second Coming

by William Butler Yeats

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

He wrote that in 1920. Things are cyclic and it's possible that the U.S. is nearing it's end. Now how long the "end" will take is anybody's guess. My wife and I are doing a good job with our kids and they're outstanding kids. Very good students. Ultimately that's all you can do. Take care of those things you can influence. Huge gigantic things like nations and the Human race - well they're on their own. They could care less about my little voice.

 

[old bear]

Originally the idea of P/C had its positive points, but like so many start up ideas it's been abused, to the point it is not Ok to correct someone without having to apologize for doing so.
As for some young cops, with our mobile society there is not the sense of serving and protecting your community. In 1974 there were 30 of us in my rookie class and only two of us were not true natives. I, after 12 years of residence was still considered a relative newcomer to the area.
As for counting change, my wife who is much more tolerant than I spent three or so months teaching the very sweet but dumber than a mud fence cashier at a large national grocery chain to count change.
My current pet peeve is Convenience, now there is an oxymoron, store clerks talk on the phone when I'm trying to buy something.
As so many others have suggested the root of the problem is so many of these were self-raised, and just don't know any better.

 

[Herknav]

I don't disagree (note the double negative) with what you are saying. My question is what are you doing or have you done about it?

There were adults in my life who were an influence to me. In fact, one died this week.

If you're not busy, some kid might enjoy your time and leadership. Organizations like Scouts, schools, and churches are always screaming for volunteers.

Just my $.02.

 

[semperfi71]

"As far as I can see, what passes for civilization is essentially a veneer, very thin and fragile; hard to acquire and easy to lose."

True. Louis L'Amour wrote those same thoughts in several of his novels.

Do you fly? I don't. I am a retired 35 year veteran of air traffic control.

The FAA, the union (NATCA), PC, EEO, and just the lack of solid values in the younger folks has conspired to create a national work force of air traffic controllers who do no have the skills, or the right attitude, to properly and safely handle air traffic control. Once in a while a good one slips through, but the number of "marginal" controllers has increased dramatically. The quality of management in the FAA was not good when I hired on, it became less so through the years.

I do not think our nation will turn this around. Lobsters are boiled to death by increments of slow heat. So will we.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

All of this leads directly to the type of politicians we elect today. We have an electorate that appears to be made up of at least uneducated, unproductive, "gimme my stuff", left wing loons.

Since we have lost work ethic, morality, basic knowledge, and common sense, you can see how these criminal politicos get elected.

Before we can take back the country, something needs to be done with this large population of out of control, uneducated unprincipled slackers.

 

[Checkman]

I don't think we're going to turn it around. It's called a soft apocalypse. Of course if you're a student of history you realize that it can take decades even centuries to complete itself. Actually it's kind of liberating to see it and to aknowledge it. Life can still be good and one can make a difference here and there. Just understand that things are moving down that slippery slope. Like a person accepting the fact that they have a fatal disease and that they're going to die.

Peaceful really.

 

[oldman45]

Many years ago there was a Russian political leader, whose name I cannot spell, that made a statement about burying the US without firing a shot.

One way I see of doing this is by controlling the children as they grow up with liberal views and political correctness. Many things that were wrong years ago are now proper. Our children have grown up with relaxed morals. Schools would rather teach things that are wrong instead of what is right. They expell kids for carrying a bible but allow see through clothes in high schools. The music kids listen to encourage wrongful or shameful acts. Their heroes of today are drug addicted actors that live lavish lifestyles. Parents go to jail for spanking their own children.

Our country is falling fast beginning with the youth of yesterday leading the country today.

 

[Cavaliere]

You want better service? Want a better America? Start by taking off your baseball cap when you walk into a restaurant-- even if it's a Cracker Barrel.

 

[oldman45]

You want better service? Want a better America? Start by taking off your baseball cap when you walk into a restaurant-- even if it's a Cracker Barrel.

If I wore a cap, I would do just that. Since I only wear a western hat when I am horseback and Cracker Barrel does not allow horses inside their restaurant, I suppose I have a pass on that. Never have worn baseball caps. They serve little purpose to me other than to make one's scalp sweat and not get enough air so male pattern baldness sets in.

Met a man last September that amazed me. Each time a lady entered the room, and we were in a large business lobby, he would stand up and remain standing until the lady either left or sat down. When I mentioned his good manners to him, he said he was raised that way and was then 57 yrs of age. I had not seen that done since I was a teen back in the late 50's.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Every generation has its share of good for nothings and people who are sorry excuses for human beings. My old man was a WWII veteran, a member of "The Greatest Generation". He was also a philanderer who walked out on me when I was 6, as far as I'm concerned he was a WPOS.
As I approach "retirement" age ( I am 61) I have less and less tolerance for all these gray haired whiners and complainers and "politically correct" welfare recipients that are called "Senior Citizens". They're the people who spent the 40-50 years of their working lives living it up, partying, spending their money on alcohol and tobacco (and controlled substances ) , on trips to the racetrack and their bookie, now they whine they don't have 2 nickels to rub together, that their Social Security payments ( which were only supposed to replace a PORTION of their earnings) aren't enough, that the bodies they abused for years are giving them problems and that Medicare (read: the rest of us taxpayers) won't pick up the full tab, that the children they often abused or at least gave short shrift to now can't be bothered with them. Many brag that their lack of a high school diploma never kept THEM from getting a job (assuming they believe in such things) and they sneer at anybody who has "book learning" (such as doctors and lawyers, perhaps ?) and think anyone who can read above a 6th grade level is a schmuck. Too many are rude, ill mannered, bratty and obnoxious-"overaged children" as one friend described his fellow residents of his retirement community yet they whine and complain when they are not treated with respect and they think just because they've made it to 65 or so that everyone is supposed to fawn over them. And these are the role models for our young?

 

[ohiobuckeye]

"I see no hope for the future of our people if they are dependent on
frivolous youth of today, for certainly all youth are reckless beyond
words... When I was young, we were taught to be discreet and
respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly wise
[disrespectful] and impatient of restraint" (Hesiod, 8th century BC).


I went looking for a similar statement that was attribute to Socrates, but found this one instead. Anyway, point is that generations of old fogies (like us) have been voicing similar comlaints of "todays" youth for centuries....

 

[blackflag]

Every generation has its share of good for nothings and people who are sorry excuses for human beings. My old man was a WWII veteran, a member of "The Greatest Generation". He was also a philanderer who walked out on me when I was 6, as far as I'm concerned he was a WPOS.
As I approach "retirement" age ( I am 61) I have less and less tolerance for all these gray haired whiners and complainers and "politically correct" welfare recipients that are called "Senior Citizens". They're the people who spent the 40-50 years of their working lives living it up, partying, spending their money on alcohol and tobacco (and controlled substances ) , on trips to the racetrack and their bookie, now they whine they don't have 2 nickels to rub together, that their Social Security payments ( which were only supposed to replace a PORTION of their earnings) aren't enough, that the bodies they abused for years are giving them problems and that Medicare (read: the rest of us taxpayers) won't pick up the full tab, that the children they often abused or at least gave short shrift to now can't be bothered with them. Many brag that their lack of a high school diploma never kept THEM from getting a job (assuming they believe in such things) and they sneer at anybody who has "book learning" (such as doctors and lawyers, perhaps ?) and think anyone who can read above a 6th grade level is a schmuck. Too many are rude, ill mannered, bratty and obnoxious-"overaged children" as one friend described his fellow residents of his retirement community yet they whine and complain when they are not treated with respect and they think just because they've made it to 65 or so that everyone is supposed to fawn over them. And these are the role models for our young?

Tell us what you really think...don't hold back.

 

[NFrameFred]

Every generation has its share of good for nothings and people who are sorry excuses for human beings. My old man was a WWII veteran, a member of "The Greatest Generation". He was also a philanderer who walked out on me when I was 6, as far as I'm concerned he was a WPOS.
As I approach "retirement" age ( I am 61) I have less and less tolerance for all these gray haired whiners and complainers and "politically correct" welfare recipients that are called "Senior Citizens". They're the people who spent the 40-50 years of their working lives living it up, partying, spending their money on alcohol and tobacco (and controlled substances ) , on trips to the racetrack and their bookie, now they whine they don't have 2 nickels to rub together, that their Social Security payments ( which were only supposed to replace a PORTION of their earnings) aren't enough, that the bodies they abused for years are giving them problems and that Medicare (read: the rest of us taxpayers) won't pick up the full tab, that the children they often abused or at least gave short shrift to now can't be bothered with them. Many brag that their lack of a high school diploma never kept THEM from getting a job (assuming they believe in such things) and they sneer at anybody who has "book learning" (such as doctors and lawyers, perhaps ?) and think anyone who can read above a 6th grade level is a schmuck. Too many are rude, ill mannered, bratty and obnoxious-"overaged children" as one friend described his fellow residents of his retirement community yet they whine and complain when they are not treated with respect and they think just because they've made it to 65 or so that everyone is supposed to fawn over them. And these are the role models for our young?

With ya on that one. The entitlement mentality that really took off in the 60's and the "Great Society" debacle has had many unforeseen (by some) consequences . Didn't turn out exactly like all those with great intentions envisioned.

The whole thing comes down to personal responsibility and accountability. Less and less of it to go around these days, apparently.