Having lived on a farm during the Great Depression, I understood the discipline of work. Survival was dependent on understanding the necessity of doing my chores, not because I needed daily reminders but because they had to be done.
My brother and I got up each morning and ran our trap lines down along the creek. Before breakfast we helped milk six cows and then herded them out to pasture. My grandfather was the taskmaster. But, we both were grateful for having a farmhouse in which to live.
Volunteering for the Navy in World War II, I quickly learned how to say, “Yes, sir” or “No, sir.” Disciplined to be respectful of those who were smarter than me, I adjusted readily.
Sixty-five years later I still say, “Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am” in the natural flow of conversation, even to those much younger than I am.
I’m disheartened to see that courtesy is a dying trait today.
“Thank you” and “please” are other considerations occurring less often in this culture. And it’s so easy. Being courteous should become a habit.
Beginning some few years or so ago, I heard someone say, “Gracias.” I pondered why only Spanish had become the other language when there are those living here from dozens of different countries.
I thought it would be appreciated if I thanked someone from Asia in his or her language. I started with my doctor. After my physical, I said, “Gamsa Habnida.” He said he was from the Philippines. I instantly said, “Solamat.” His broad smile was a wonder to behold.
I am up to 24 languages in which I am able to say “thank you.” It keeps your mind functioning and produces smiles of approval. I was asked during an interview why I do it. I explained it was because no one else has done it, and that it keeps my mind fertile.
I spoke to Bruce Hedley, the recently named chief of police in Lilburn. After each remark I made requiring a yes or no answer, I heard a crisp, “Yes, sir” or “No, sir.” I said, “You’re ex-military, aren’t you?”
“Yes, sir,” he said.
Discipline should expand beyond simple courtesy and respect. I find a lack of self-control all over the place — cars racing at breakneck speeds, alcoholism, drugs. It is like an avalanche thundering down a mountainside and bodes trouble for America.
I don’t understand malicious vandalism, desecrating cemeteries and smashing mailboxes. A few years ago, fire hydrants were opened in winter, until a woman and her son were killed as a result of ice on the roadway caused by someone who turned on a fire hydrant.
I advocate military service after high school, or after college.
The Israelis have mandatory military service. When a problem develops they are prepared in advance militarily, assuring a greater likelihood for survival, while we are having parties, engaging in electronic games, being captivated by Hollywood’s glitz, overpaying to watch violence in a stadium, screaming because everybody else is screaming, clapping because everyone else is clapping, and like organ-grinder monkeys, responding to cue cards and having our minds fragmented by watching television absurdities and going to movies that have no intellectual merit.
Bill York lives in Stone Mountain. Reach him at sioux2222@gmail.com.
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