Showing 14 comments for
How Times Have Changed

When I was ten years old, I stole an antique glass bottle from my first carpentry teacher. My mother asked me where I got the bottle, so I told her. Mother made me return the bottle and apologize to Mr. Parmenter, for my sin. That was a good lesson on the ten commandments. Today, God's commandments are not allowed to be posted on the walls of any Alabama courthouse! My children know of the "TEN" from Sunday School, W.W..

Well said, Mr. Williams, well said indeed.

Amen Professor!

Professor Williams has once again managed to shine a laser beam at the root problem of our society. The Founders stated that our Constitution was for a moral and religious people, see how far we've fallen away from that thanks to the Progressive meddlings. I truly wonder if our Republic can be saved. I hope that I am wrong about not trusting the youth of tomorrow, but I don't see much flash of brilliance or hunger for true freedom about them. I do see lots of thuggery and leeching off of Momy and Daddy though.

Note to self - Mommy is spelled with TWO m's!

Professor Williams, I always enjoy and agree with your views. I only wish more people would hear and listen...

+1, Sir. +1. I especially liked paragraphs #4 and #7.

Thank you, Professor Williams.. got you by one year... you are correct, we young-uns (still do) had to give up our seat on buses and street-cars, and most certainly NEVER talked back to our teachers (my visits to experience the Principal's strap were prompted by other transgressions)... both sad and frustrating to witness the lack of common respect missing today! Thank you again for all you do to remind us of "the good old days".

Mr. Williams, I appreciate this post; if there were a 'Like' button, I would press it twenty times. This statement sticks in my mind: "Police officers and courts can never replace these social restraints on personal conduct."

I agree with you that we have abdicated our societal responsibilities to the courts (and lawyers). Our fathers and grandfathers would have said or done something, but we do not. :(

Professor Williams, I suppose that I am a racist, since I have not and will not vote for Mr. Obama [!], but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your words of wisdom through the years. I agree with your assessment of our society's problems; in particular, I agree with the idea that cultural norms can and should serve as constraints on human behavior. I further believe that individual choices can have great effect on fellow community members, young and old. As a teacher, I insist on good manners and proper conversation from my middle school students, regardless of their background. They respond well, and hopefully, will remember to do so, long after they move on to high school. It is a small step, but it is a step in the right direction.

You sir, truly are a Gentleman and a Scholar. As well as one of my treasured touchstones on economics and political philosophy. I certainly intend to share this one with friends and family.

Bravo Professor Williams!

Excellent column Prof. Williams. Reminded me of an incident about 1944 on a summer evening as my dad and I sat on our front porch, facing a county road. A fellow came by in his wagon and waved. My dad, already in his seventies and with poor eyesight asked who the fellow was. I, being nine yrs. old and going on 20 replied, "it was old man Riner." Boy, I'll never forget that tongue lashing I received with the final statement being, "he is Mr. Riner to you young man." To this day, everyone is Miss, Mrs. or Mr. even though I am usually their senior. Thanks pop for a good lesson!.