Georgie Ann Geyer, an 83 year old columnist writes today about, “The forgotten importance of manners.” Ms Geyer quotes a British philosopher, Edmund Burke: “Manners are of more importance than laws.” We legislate laws contrary to civility. (Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior and speech). Laws that interfere with discipline of our children at home and their basic education. Ms. Geyer says “I don’t like it — we might pause for a moment and see what depths we  have sunk with such language,” as she laments the actions of Roseanne Barr and Samantha Bee, and the T V programs offered for public consumption nightly on cable T V.

The internet offers a way to denigrate any values once attributed to good manners. Looking back to the advent of the telephone, citizens were concerned and predicted how the world will change with this device. Given public forum’s people will use it and abuse it.

“It’s never O K to be ill-mannered.”

Tom Rogers

Moultrie, Ga.