High school graduation season is upon us. All across the country kids are leaving the best years of their lives to jump into an uncertain world, ill prepared by their school system, or their childhood to be an adult.

A long time ago; way before the turn of the century, I went through the same thing. A lot has changed in the four decades that have passed since I got my diploma and was declared fit to join polite society.

When I was 18, real fathers existed. Men who ran their families, took charge of problems, and dished out appropriate punishment when it was needed. Today, there are few fathers. Half of all children are raised in a home with no man residing there, and the dads who are in attendance are a poor example of what the term used to mean.

Television, parenting experts, and public opinion have reduced fathers to either a caricature on sitcoms, the last group we can still make fun of without hurting someone's feelings; or a backup mother who has no intelligence, input, or power where family decisions are made.

Turn over the paycheck each week, boost the kids' self esteem, and keep the yard civilized. Coincidently, problems associated with teenagers: pregnancy, illiteracy, gang activity, and jail time, have all increased at a steady rate since this trend started.

Twenty- four hour news didn't exist when I was in high school. Most of us watched a couple of TV shows during the evening and found something else to do. There were no "viral" news stories or people famous for being famous.

Off beat and unusual events were reported in local papers and seldom went further. No commentators were ready to expound on that day's trend and help us form opinions about issues. People had to do something substantial to make national news. By the time a story was picked up by a wire service, sources had been checked and validity assured.

People like Kim Kardashian, Sanjaya, and Paris and Perez Hilton were forced to actually do something to achieve fame or success. In the 60s people like this were either laughed at or locked up. Substance was important.

Being polite was a big thing. Back before we became so self- absorbed, people allowed others to go first, thanked them, and acted as if others were more important than me,me,me.

Drivers were courteous, and traffic flowed. When something happened everyone waited their turn and no one took advantage of someone who was a little slow to react. No one was so important he had to weave in and out of traffic to get to an appointment, and no one caused an accident by talking on a cell phone.

Business people were concerned about return customers. People were treated as family, and problems were resolved. The only company policy was to make sure every customer was satisfied. We respected other political opinions and felt there just might be someone besides us who knew a little about life.

Sophia Loren was the most beautiful woman on Earth, barbecue was the best food, and the Rolling Stones were playing rock and roll. I guess some things haven't changed.