“I can’t get no respect” was the catch phrase that Rodney Dangerfield was best known for during his stand up comedy career. I can’t get any respect would have probably be the proper way to say it, but either way, our society is choosing to show little or no respect towards each other or most anyone. Words like “please”, “thank you”, “pardon me” or “excuse me” were not optional when I was growing up. Hey Dude! or Yo! would have probably gotten me a noticeable red hand print on the side of my face. I was also taught to respect adults and would never even consider back talk, especially to my father. At school, a teacher never had to repeat themselves. Once was enough because the second time meant a trip to see the principal. I remember getting one wack on my bottom for fighting when I was in Junior High. The principal delivering the punishment was named Henry Smith. He had me bend over and when he hit me I literally thought he had set my butt on fire! I’ll never forget that day as long as I live!

On Sundays, we would put on our good clothes and go to church. Blue jeans were never worn because they were for work and play. Now they are common place and even fashionable. Today, you are liable to see people wear anything. I see people come to court every week wearing the darnest things. Cut off shorts, flip flops, and t-shirts with just about anything written on them. You would think that if someone is appearing before a Judge, who is going to determine their fate that they would dress a little more appropriately and have the common sense to say yes ma’am or no sir.

But, recently we had Senator Barbara Boxer from California criticizing a Brigadier General for calling her Ma’am during a Senate hearing. She insisted that he call her Senator because she had worked so hard for that title. Like he had not worked hard to become a Brigadier General.

Then there are the new hair styles. Trust me, my generation wrote the book on weird hair dues, but what is this “I just got out of the bed look?” or the “Hit in the head with a tube of grease look”. And what is it with the tattoos and body piercings? This may impress the guys and the gals in your small circle of friends, but good luck on your next job interview. As George Carlin once said, unless you like saying, “Do you want fries with that?” lose the body art, bad hair dues and the pinhead look. Remember, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”.

I believe that a gentleman should open doors, especially for a lady. It’s just common courtesy. Fortunately we see more common courtesy around here than up north. Motorist up north have learned to use their horn. It is rare for anyone to honk their horn here, but up north it is definitely a form of communication. I also believe we should use our turn signals when turning.  For those of you that are guilty, it’s the little lever on the left side of your steering wheel. Up for right and down for left.  I should also mention that headlights are more important for being seen than for seeing. Turning them on before dark or in the fog just might save a life, maybe your own.

We have so much to be thankful for and I certainly hope that I have not offended anyone. We owe it to each other to be helpful and courteous. If you see someone broken down along the side of the road, stop and ask them if they need you to call for help. It only takes a minute, and I guarantee that you would appreciate it if you were in their place. I too have fallen short in being the perfect citizen, but I promise I do better. I hope you will too. As always, thank you for reading “My Opinion”.

May God bless…

Ron Phillips