Have you noticed how you can not watch television _ most particularly cable news channels — without seeing and HEARING people yelling at each other? If one person does not agree with the second word out of another person’s mouth then that is the cue to holler objections back. At least that seems to be the rule.

Television hosts/guests are not the only offenders. Talk radio is equally hard on the ears. We are now letting it overflow into our public meetings. Yell, boo, talk over others’ comments, turn red faced and mumble to all around you — that’s the new American way of discussion. A key part of this new discussion process is to NOT believe anyone except those who are agreeing with us.

You might want to listen at your own home and see if this is not even happening in your family. No longer is it just a little stubborn 2’s or rebellious teen talk. Everyone talks “over” other people’s conversation. There was a time this was not tolerated by the adults in the family.

Some experts say there is too much violence on television and that it is hurting our children. I grew up with “Road Runner” and “Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd,”— that was violence. I am more worried how our children (and adults) are being taught that being civil with one another is now ‘out’ in our culture.

Well done Moody!

Thursday we published a front page lead story of Moody AFB falling short of a passing grade during a recent Inspector General evaluation. The review showed that the Airmen did not meet expectations for rapid deployment of people, aircraft and equipment. I know the Airmen at Moody did not like their home base community seeing this announcement but I was impressed by the fact that Colonel Gary Henderson, the Wing Commander, thought it important for us to know. Being ready means our airmen will be successful on their future missions. For all the family and friends they leave behind, it means their loved ones are prepared for their safety. Our Airmen at Moody are some of the best in the world and I know in January during the re-evaluation they will be on the top of their game.

That little decimal does matter! In school most of us thought we would never use all the math we were being taught. This week, I saw a lesson in action as to why math really is important. When gas went to $2.17 per gallon this week, one station posted $21.79. That little decimal does make a difference; in this case $19.62 per gallon difference. I did not see anyone in line at the pumps either.

Come on now!

While standing in line at a fast food restaurant, the customer ahead of me ordered – from the Senior Menu — a meal with French fries. “Cook them fresh and not too crispy.” And I guess next time they will want to pick out their potatoes and have them sliced at the counter. I wondered to myself as I heard this, ‘have you ever thought about eating at home?’