The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers..

Earle · 07-31-2010, 08:41 AM

I agree with Larry and his right to comment on what he feels are the reasons that the traditional "courtesies of the road" and respect for law (any recent news events come to mind?) is disappearing these days. It even extends to the show field as parents stand by and admire little Johny climbing all over my car to "express himself." The "grown-ups" do it too. And then look surprised and offended when an "authority figure" (ME) walks up and politely requests that no-one touch the car without permission!

This increased sense of entitlement and unrestrained liberty that people exercise at other people's expense does NOT come from our once-honored traditions of respect, decency and self-control that kids use to be raised with. Now it's all about ME, My rights, MY self-esteem and what others owe ME. An "old-fashioned" sense of personal conservatism and respect for all definitely did not create this!

Call this "political", if you like but we all, in this hobby, are feeling the effects of a radically-changing society. And it does affect the hobby we all love. Shoddy parts and service, incompetent run-arounds from state and government "service" agencies (clueless motor-vehicle clerks?...etc), rude, reckless drivers on the highways, Flea-Bay dishonesties and rip-offs, teen vandalism against my car when I leave it briefly on the street in front of my house, ... you name it. It DID NOT come from the traditional, conservative up-bringings that most of us here had!

There is more to the big picture of our treasured Model A hobby than just head-nut torques and types of motor oil. I love chatting about all those technical things as I enjoy my roadster and sharing her with the public. But things, in general, are changing and there's a reason. Larry just hit a nerve - with many here, I suspect.

I certainly agree that folks of all "political" persuasions can love, enjoy and chat about our beloved Model A's, but that sometimes involves broader topics that impact on our hobby. And I would think that common sense should prevail most of the time!

OK, Larry....Now back to reasons for Model A engine overheating and thoughts on various compression ratios.....

(Thanks, Larry!)

Earle

07-31-2010, 08:41 AM	#18
Earle Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 240	Re: Don't mind me,, just a rant about drivers.. I agree with Larry and his right to comment on what he feels are the reasons that the traditional "courtesies of the road" and respect for law (any recent news events come to mind?) is disappearing these days. It even extends to the show field as parents stand by and admire little Johny climbing all over my car to "express himself." The "grown-ups" do it too. And then look surprised and offended when an "authority figure" (ME) walks up and politely requests that no-one touch the car without permission! This increased sense of entitlement and unrestrained liberty that people exercise at other people's expense does NOT come from our once-honored traditions of respect, decency and self-control that kids use to be raised with. Now it's all about ME, My rights, MY self-esteem and what others owe ME. An "old-fashioned" sense of personal conservatism and respect for all definitely did not create this! Call this "political", if you like but we all, in this hobby, are feeling the effects of a radically-changing society. And it does affect the hobby we all love. Shoddy parts and service, incompetent run-arounds from state and government "service" agencies (clueless motor-vehicle clerks?...etc), rude, reckless drivers on the highways, Flea-Bay dishonesties and rip-offs, teen vandalism against my car when I leave it briefly on the street in front of my house, ... you name it. It DID NOT come from the traditional, conservative up-bringings that most of us here had! There is more to the big picture of our treasured Model A hobby than just head-nut torques and types of motor oil. I love chatting about all those technical things as I enjoy my roadster and sharing her with the public. But things, in general, are changing and there's a reason. Larry just hit a nerve - with many here, I suspect. I certainly agree that folks of all "political" persuasions can love, enjoy and chat about our beloved Model A's, but that sometimes involves broader topics that impact on our hobby. And I would think that common sense should prevail most of the time! OK, Larry....Now back to reasons for Model A engine overheating and thoughts on various compression ratios..... (Thanks, Larry!) Earle