Let's Hear It for Old Farts!

There was a time when I looked down on cranky Old Farts. That was before I was looking the big six-oh in the eye and realized that - holy cow! - I was one. Nowadays, I think there's a lot to be said for them.

My friend Bob sent me this piece yesterday that I thought I'd share with those of you who are Old Farts and those of you who will one day be Old Farts ...

Old Fart Pride

Old Farts are easy to spot at sporting events: during the playing of the national anthem, Old Farts remove their caps, stand at attention and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them.

Old Farts remember World War II, Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal, Normandy and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War, The Cold War, the Jet Age and the Moon Landing. They remember the 50 plus Peacekeeping Missions from 1945 to 2005, not to mention Vietnam and the First Gulf War.

If you bump into an Old Fart on the sidewalk he will apologize. If you pass an Old Fart on the street, he will nod and smile or tip his cap to a lady. Old Farts trust strangers and are courtly to women.

Old Farts hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside for protection.

Old Farts get embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children and they don't like filth or dirty language on TV or in movies.

Old Farts have moral courage and personal integrity. They seldom brag unless it's about their children or grandchildren.

Old Farts know our rights and our way of life are protected not by politicians, but by the young men and women serving in the military.

This country needs Old Farts with their work ethic, sense of responsibility, pride in their country and decent values - now more than ever.

Let's drink to the Old Farts!!

Have a good day. More cantankerous thoughts tomorrow, dadgummit.

Bilbo