I did not live in the sticks 20 years ago. I lived in the suburbs of a major city. Nearly everyone in the check out line at the major supermarkets would light up as they waited their turn.
It was the same at doctors offices, hospital rooms, unless oxygen was being used, and the like. We were not always patrolled and castigated as we are now.....back in the days when America was a free country.
Oh, I understand what your saying, and I certainly agree.
But dang...it makes me feel old!
:-)