>> >>> Dirt Roads >>> by Paul Harvey >>> >>> >>> What's mainly wrong with society today is that too many Dirt Roads have >>> been paved. There's not a problem in America today, crime, drugs, >>> education, divorce, delinquency, that wouldn't be remedied if we just had >>> more Dirt Roads, because Dirt Roads give >>> character. >>> >>> People that live at the end of Dirt Roads learn early on that life is a >>> bumpy ride. That it can jar you right down to your teeth sometimes, but >>> it's worth it, if at the end is home...a loving spouse, happy kids and a >>> dog. We wouldn't have near the trouble with our educational system if our >>> kids got their exercise walking a Dirt Road with other kids, from whom >>> they learn how to get along. >>> >>> There was less crime in our streets before they were paved. Criminals >>> didn't walk two dusty miles to rob or rape, if they knew they'd be >>> welcomed by 5 barking dogs and a double barrel shotgun. And there were no >>> drive by shootings. >>> >>> Our values were better when our roads were worse! People did not worship >>> their cars more than their kids, and motorists were more courteous, they >>> didn't tailgate by riding the bumper or the guy in front would choke you >>> with dust and bust your windshield >>> with rocks. >>> >>> Dirt Roads taught patience. >>> >>> Dirt Roads were environmentally friendly, you didn't hop in your car for >>> a quart of milk, you walked to the barn for your milk. For your mail, you >>> walked to the mail box. What if it rained and the Dirt Road got washed >>> out? That was the best part, then you stayed home and had some family >>> time, roasted marshmallows and popped popcorn and pony rides on Daddy's >>> shoulders ...and you learned how to make prettier quilts than anybody. >>> >>> At the end of Dirt Roads, you soon learned that bad words tasted like >>> soap. >>> >>> Most paved roads lead to trouble. Dirt Roads more likely lead to a >>> fishing creek or a swimming hole. At the end of a Dirt Road, the only >>> time we even locked our car was in August, because if we didn't some >>> neighbor would fill it with too much zucchini. >>> >>> At the end of a Dirt Road, there was always extra springtime income, from >>> when city dudes would get stuck, you'd have to hitch up a team and pull >>> them out. Usually you got a dollar......always you got a new friend ...at >>> the end of a Dirt Road. >>> ________________________________________________________ >> > >