Letter to the Editor

Some things people should know

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

To the editor:

Someone asked me recently a question about what kinds of things I would like people to know. After due consideration, here are my thoughts in no specific order.

1. Guys: No one wants to see your underwear because you have your pants around your knees. First of all, you can't even walk normally and have to walk around with one hand holding your pants up. That does at least cut your chances of getting in trouble in half, but probably triples your chances of falling flat on your face.

2. Girls: I'm not leaving you out. Don't dress with everything hanging out and then get all defensive when you get gawked at. A word to the wise might be that it's better to leave some things to the imagination. It makes you much more mysterious and interesting. For the most part ladies, you can control the behavior of your male counterparts by controlling your own. If you all insist on being treated like a lady and act like a lady, then the guys have no choice other than to be gentlemen or become hermits. There is nothing glamorous about being a mother at 16 and grandmother by the time you are 30. First of all, you can't take care of a child at 16 That means support. Getting a check from the state doesn't mean you take care of the child, it means the state does. By the way, that money is not income and it isn't to buy $500 cell phones and plans and go out at night.

3. When did it get fashionable to wear your pajamas to the store? No, the flannel pants were not designed for that purpose. Get up about 10 minutes earlier so you can get dressed first. Believe me, no one cares what you look like when you first get out of bed and for the most part most of us would be better off never knowing.

4. Flip-flops are not dress shoes. Whoever told people that they looked great with suits and dressy clothes both male and female was joking with you. It's just sloppy dressing. Sure, they have their place, but it isn't when you are trying to dress up. Certainly, never wear them to job interviews.

5. No, it isn't funny if your friend steals from Walmart (or anywhere else), whether he gets caught or not. Remember, if he has no more sense than that, he would steal from you too if he thinks he won't get caught.

6. There was a time when younger family members controlled their own behavior so they did not make their families look bad because of it. There was a thing called family pride that meant enough to keep the vast majority out of trouble.

7. Be responsible for what you do. I've heard from a lot of younger people in the past that they can do what they want now and worry about things like God and hell later after they've had their fun and are old (they probably meant 35 or 40). Thing is guys, you could be hit by a truck or otherwise wiped from existence before you finish reading this. There is no guarantee or warranty that says you will get to be 80. The time to worry about those things is now, not later. There are many people from all over the community that have been successful and put a positive stamp on society for their passing through this life. Well, think about it seriously at least.

Gary Conley
Blytheville