Unfortunately this is all true. ?Whatever happened to the good old days when life was so much more wholesome, safe and liveable?

I know the younger generation go on about us wrinklies, but we are the ones who actually lived in those days and remember them well and with fondness. ?We also know how things have deteriorated since because we have something to compare with, whereas they don't. ?

True, modern technology has come on in leaps and bounds and makes life more comfortable for us, but is it worth the price we're paying by having kids growing up now that are lacking in respect or social graces, that make demands on their parents which can be financially crippling and they have no idea how to entertain themselves without all the electronic gadgetry that?s about now? ? It really is the end of the world if they can?t have the latest gear like their mates have. ?And it?s not just about kids, it?s the fear that lurks in every parent?s mind when the kids are out of their sight for any length of time. ?There?s so many real weirdos out there now. ?

Life isn?t for living any more, it seems to be governed by the need to acquire possessions and status. ?Everything revolves around money, whether it?s the need to make it or the need to spend it and some big companies are prepared to go to any lengths to make it and to encourage people to spend it. ?Wasn?t that salesman a really nice guy? ?No, he was just putting on an act to get you to buy something. ?He doesn?t give a damn about you once you?re out the door. And this is how it is today in a lot of areas in life. ?The ?nice? people aren?t always quite so nice once they?ve got what they want out of you.

Anyway, enough of the ramble and rant. ?I could go on and on. ?Thanks Nick for the trip down memory lane. ?All I can say is I really wouldn?t want to be bringing up children in this day and age. ?Good luck to you all. ?You certainly need it.