Last night NSW Chief Justice James Spigelman, called upon Australians to improve their manners. He deplored - yes, deplored! the state of manners and respect in today's society.Ever quick to jump on the bandwagon, our Prime Minister, Jackboot Johnny Howard, turned off "Seventh Heaven" and chipped in with his two cents worth. Of course, he picked the usual targets - television and parents.
All very well and good - except for one thing.
The only time I get a "please" or "thank you" is from kids. Do I get such courtesy from senior citizens? No way. Sydney's senior citizens are the rudest, most bad mannered, selfish bunch of bastards I have come across. Of course they are quick to complain about the manners of kids - oblivious to the fact they themselves wouldn't even be able to spell the damn word.
Example -
Kid: Excuse me Sir, have you got the time please? Thank you.
Oldie: What's the time mate? (then off they go)
But that's not all. When you have answered their question, they will then ask, "are you sure? I thought it was such and such." Well if you are so damn clever, why waste the time of some one who is working their butt off to help pay the billions of dollars that get thrown at you each bloody year. When an election comes around, the oldies think it's their birthday.
But of course, it does not do to criticise the oldies - oh no, kids are a much easier target. Bring back National Service, bring back the cane. No discipline in the homes.
Well old timers, your generation had all that crap, and you still can't say please or thank you. All you can say is "I want more."
Oh yes, respect is not a right - it has to be earned. I don't want my kids respecting someone purely on the basis of age or profession.
By the way Mr Chief Justice, your profession has done little to earn my respect - take a look around at your peers and then come back and complain about manners and moral standards. Perhaps you could take a trip on a bus in the morning and hear the kids say, "Thank you Mr bus driver" as they disembark.
Hey, Justice - leave the kids alone.
Wherever you may be - be safe!
Tonight's photo: I promise this is the last of my sink!
Nations featured since Jan 24 = 43
