I know most of the younger generation cannot relate to this. They haven't been around for thirty, forty or fifty years like some of us. When I compare people now days to those, lets say in the 70's or 80's, what a difference! It's like night and day.

I could write for days on this topic. Of course I am not about to. Instead I would like to hear your input. What changes have you noticed? I will list some of the changes I have seen over the years and you can add to it.

I remember growing up in upstate New york. We used to have some pretty good snowfalls back then. Winters were long and cold. I wish I had a buck for every shovel full of snow I threw. Man I could have retired at age 25! We used to have some elderly folks that lived on the same street and they would try and shovel pathways to get in or out .They often shoveled so the mail man could get to the mailbox. This used to break my heart. So being the nice kid I was, I would shovel them out. I did not ask for anything, I just did it. If they offered anything in return, that was just a bonus. Used to get lots of homemade cookies! I enjoyed helping them out and taking some time to chat with them. Today most people have moved up to snow blowers. Even with that in mind, and being a parent, have you asked a kid lately to do something like that for someone? They just stand there and look at you as if you just spoke in Greek! Now I'm not saying all kids are like that, but as a rule, they can't be bothered.

Have you noticed, people lack common courtesy?

Just go to your local grocery store. Every time you go, there will be some inconsiderate individual blocking the isle! Most of the time its people stopping to chat with friends. They don't even have the descentcy to move out of the way. They act as if they are the only ones in the whole store. Thirty years ago you never saw this.

How about disabled parking? It seems everyone these days has a disabled parking permit. Apparently it is easier to be dishonest than it is to walk a few extra steps. Years ago you actually had to be disabled to get a permit. Now you can go to a doctor and get a parking permit for just about any reason. I have seen so many people misuse these permits its a crime. Folks never did that 20 years ago.

 This is one everybody can relate to. Most of us have one. A Cell Phone! Now the cell phone is not the problem. In fact they are a great invention. Its the total lack of respect while using one that has become an issue. People block out everything and everyone while on the phone. Here in Florida 90% of the drivers are yakking on the phone instead of paying attention to the road. I have actually seen drivers unable to negotiate a turn and in spite of this, they refuse to put down the phone. That's simply insane! I think it is a good move when States make it illegal to drive and talk on the cell phone. Also it has gotten to the point that no matter where you go, either shopping, out to eat, a doctors office even in church, somebody is yakking on the cell phone. What in Gods name did we do before cell phones?

This is one that really bothers me! Everyone is in a hurry to go nowhere! I have never, in all my years of driving, seen such bad drivers as you see today. It seems everybody is going to a fire! You literally take you life in your own hands on the road today. People are constantly riding your tail or cutting you off. If the speed limit is 70, people drive 85. If the limit is 30, people drive 40 or more. Just the other day, a fellow cut me off just to turn into his street that was less than a block away. He could just as easily had pulled in behind me. It seems there is no longer any road etiquette. People don't use their turn signals, they don't yield the right of way. they fail to obey traffic signals and the list goes on. The saddest part is, they are not going to get to their destination any sooner.