Editor:

Just saw several stories about corporations offering classes on etiquette to new employees.

Apparently several generations of young people have been brought up without any of the social skills that were a part of my childhood education that started at home and continued at school.

Of course, being a dinosaur I’m getting educated now that I no longer work and have time on my hands, so I read a lot and of course watch the news.

In my youth we started getting educated at the table when my mother would set the table with plate and silverware placed accordingly.

Then when you arrived at the table your hat better be gone or you’d be reminded and usually a short prayer followed.

The third stage was practicing your manners by having watched your elders during a spurt of growth from eating well.

As we grew older we would still be expected to improve our social skills in the FFA which was the Future Farmers of America and the girls had the FHA which us boys thought stood for Future Housewives of America but in reality meant something more ambiguous, Future Homemakers of America. Of course part of the problem was we saw the development taking place and boys as everyone knows can have a one track mind and were thinking in terms of future engagements.

While we were being reminded to mind our manners the young ladies were doing important stuff like expanding their cooking skills and social skills ,of which etiquette is very important.

After all, if your farm boy becomes president then you better be able to set the table properly even if it is only the local hunting club or church social.

There’s nothing more hurtful than gossip in a small town or even a neighborhood. I really hope this catches on its good for all concerned and society in general. Being polite is a great measure of civility.

Ed Edwards, Ellabell