[TWohlford]

Pretty much an “evergreen” story about every generation. Thinking there used to be some Internet email dealie about such complaints in ancient Greece?

[AndyJackson]

We are saddling the next generation with $100T in debt or some such, and we are whining that THEY lack etiquette? What was it Christ said about logs in eyes?

[buffyt]

INTELLIEGENCE CONTINUES TO ALUDE DEMOCRATS!!!!

[Mr. Jeeves]

Thanks to "stranger danger," I know better than to address anyone younger than, say, 12.

Doesn't the author understand that this unfortunate national phobia is one of the things that has led directly to the problem his article discusses?

[buffyt]

Intelligence Continues to Elude Democrats

[Mashood]

Shhhhhhh. They’re gonna pay for my retirement.

[RobinOfKingston]

Collectively, we live cruder lives in bigger houses with more toys than did our ancestors.

By age, I am one of the Boomers. That’s where it ends. Because of the structure of my family I am mentally, emotionally and ethically a member of the Depression Generation. I thank God for my circumstances.

[PGR88]

It seems many people believe manners (and even ethics) is a sort of “prisoners dilemma” - It only is a benefit if every acts with manners. Otherwise, I, with my polite behavior, will suffer some loss in the face of another’s impolite/selfish behavior.

Actually, what should be taught is that the opposite is true - correct manners/politeness are a benefit for oneself all the time, regardless of another’s (or society’s) behavior.

[BenLurkin]

It is not just skipping a generation.

Once gone these things will not come back — for a long long time.

[RushLake]

Wife and I went to the 4th of July Parade in Onaway, Michigan. Whenever I attend a parade, I try to note if other men know enough to remove their hats and place their hands over their hearts, women and children too, when the color guard passes by. Almost no man removed his baseball cap and saluted, as well as women and children. We almost always attend the annual VJ Day parade in Hillman, Michigan and there is much more of the proper behavior toward the colors.

I think that how we respect our national symbol as appropriate says a lot about us as a people and a nation.