Becoming a Curmudgeon

Let me be clear. I have never been one to tolerate gladly the boorishness and ignorance of others. That being said, I have over the last few years become more and more curmudgeonly. This is generally accepted as a natural tendency in those like me who have reached a point in life where we are categorized as being "elderly" and there is some validity to the notion. As we age we often feel more entitled to "say what we think." There is the additional advantage of reaching that point where we lose the fear of being ostracized or having our careers affected by taking positions that may be generally unpopular.

In my case I feel that I have endured the slings and arrows of a discourteous, ill-mannered, and self-involved society long enough, and can no longer tolerate such behavior in silence. Everyone is affected by people who impede us while talking on their cell phones, or who blithely block the aisles in stores, or cashiers who hold up customers while conversing with co-workers.

Everyone is affected but the curmudgeon grumbles his disapproval. Hear me grumble.

Lamenting the Loss of Grace

Joe Wilson, the Congressman from South Carolina, recently called the President of the United States a liar in front of the congress and the entire nation. This represents a new low in public discourse and public behavior. Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck commit acts of sedition almost daily on their TV and radio broadcasts and their outrageous behavior is sanctioned by the right while being tolerated by the left. Where is our sense of indignation? What has happened to our sense of right and wrong; to what we once viewed as common decency?

I chose to create this blog to lament the loss of grace in our society. As a southern white male I was taught to be courteous to everyone, to practice good manners at all times, and to respect the rights and opinions of others -- even if I disagreed. These values have been all but lost in today's society.

This is my forum for saying what I think about our public behavior and the lack of common courtesy and grace that I witness everyday.