DON’T BLAME THE MESS ON US!

MICHAEL GARSIDE: letter to the Editor

60-something Michael Garside found himself so angry at the mad world we live in today he felt compelled to sum up the frustrations of the older generations in a letter to the Chronicle. Here’s what he wrote...


Dear Editor,

Senior citizens are constantly being criticised for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or a imaginary.

We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.

However, upon reflection, we would like to point out that it was not the senior citizens who took: –

:: The pride out of appearance.

:: The courtesy out of driving.

:: The romance out of love.

:: The commitment out of marriage.

:: The responsibility out of parenthood.

:: The togetherness out of family.



Nor was it the senior citizens who took:

:: The learning out of education.

:: The service out of patriotism.

:: The golden rule from rulers.

:: The civility out of behaviour.

:: The refinement out of language.

:: The dedication out of employment.

:: The prudence out of spending.

:: The ambition out of achievement.

:: Or God out of government and school.



And we certainly are not the ones who:

:: Eliminated patience and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!



We do understand the meaning of patriotism and remember those who have fought and died for our country in two world wars and other confrontations in the world.

Just look at the seniors with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with their hand over their hearts.

Yes, I am a senior citizen!



:: I am the life of the party, even if it lasts until 8pm!

:: I’m very good at opening childproof caps with a hammer.

:: I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

:: I’m smiling all the time because I can’t hear a word you are saying.

:: I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe place somewhere.

:: I’m wrinkled, saggy, and lumpy — and that’s just my left leg.

:: I’m beginning to realise that ageing is not for wimps.

Yes, I am a senior citizen and having the time of my life. Now if I can find my shoes I will go and post this letter to the Oldham Chronicle!



MICHAEL GARSIDE,

Holts Village



Getting back to basics



THE Chronicle has taken the unusual step of carrying a letter on Page One tonight to highlight just how much many people believe they have been left behind in the rat-race that has become life in the 21st Century.



The writings of painter and decorator Michael illustrate perfectly much that is wrong — not just in Oldham, but society in general. Our politicians could do worse than use Michael’s list as a blueprint to put Britain back on the straight and narrow — or have we wandered so far from that path that there is no way back and we are left to thunder on, out of control?


EDITOR


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