Thoughts on Unions

Over the last year or so, I have heard so much badmouthing of unions. For starters, how does a college-educated man like myself end in being in three of them? Well, I was in school while in the first two Unions. My first union was a local AFL-CIO union (while in high school), working for a now defunct hardware store. For the record, I believe Home Depot is a Union Shop and Lowes is not so those with knowledge on this matter, please be ready to share. I was a member Teamster Local 705 while working for UPS (as a loader). Finally there is the Communication Workers of America, my third union. Unions began as a means to create safe working conditions and fair pay. Now, I think some have gone far from this vision.

What do I think, as a conservative, about unions? In a way, there is a need for unions. For every union like the NEA, SEIU, and UAW, there are others so many forget about. So for the record, you would assume to wipe out ALL unions- public and private sector. Personally, I think that's not a good idea at all. So many people use the unions I previously mentioned by name and their abuses. For the record, I agree. How can someone be paid $50-70/hour in a business where its business model can't sustain such wages (e.g., auto industry, teachers & tax dollars, etc)? I'm not saying cut wages at all. Pay the overtime if the company approves it. The problem is can the companies afford to pay that overtime? The NEA (teachers union) had good intentions. They wanted a good wage (which in many places wasn't and still isn't the case) but became a political and social arm for groups all while teachers leave the profession because of compensation (at least the ones I knew). In some cases, the compensation may be even less. When a teacher works a full day teaching students and then needs to go work at a hardware store to make extra money, am I the only one who thinks something is wrong? This was many years ago when I was in school. Not many are taking on extra jobs anymore, are they? The unions I have first hand knowledge about offers between 2.0% to 3% annual raise (all private sector; considering that's based off an averaging $21,000/year and the raise was just over $600 raise). Teacher unions BALK at that percentage but at least other unions contribute to a revenue stream. THAT'S where I have an issue with unions. Of the average teacher union strikes or possible threats of one, the LOWEST numbers I've seen of approving a deal recently is 5.5% (I've seen as high as 7%). OK. On paper, not bad right? The problem is that schools get revenue from where? Taxes- property, sales and other taxes to foot the bill. What happens? After a while, people and businesses will get sick of it and they will leave. Care to bet on that?

So fine. You dislike unions. So were get rid of the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) and the International Union of Police Associations. Let’s face it. They have it hard enough as it is. Let’s cut their wages down so no one will want to do those jobs. Sure- let them risk their lives day in and day out but pay them a bag of shells. Each group advocates having the resources to do their jobs properly and in the case of fire fighters, often not having the resources they need. By the way, the International Union of Police Associations has been under an AFL-CIO charter since 1979. Sadly, unions may turn a blind eye when the select few Police Officers go the wrong way. While we're at it, let’s dump some trade unions as well. Lets end the IBC (carpenters), IBEW (electricians), United Association of Union of Plumbers (which over plumbers, and HVAC workers) and the Iron Workers. Forget about the fact that these groups, while paying dues, are how their people get trained. Each apprenticeship averages between 3-5 years before they work alone. GREAT detail is given during the training phase so should they (the trade unions) not do the training, who else is going to do it? Better yet, who will do it properly? OK. Let a JUCO do the training. Chances are it will still be a union tradeworker doing the training. If a union tradesman gets work, they get paid for the work the builder/project manager approved. Bad project manager + bad project execution = no work for trade workers/no one make money.

While I'm at it, I'll even share a story or two. One story comes from a lineman (who laid wire for a telecommunication company). The lineman had to go out lay some line on a site. Upon arrival, the lineman noticed something wrong and decided not to do the job. Remember the famous words spoken to Indiana Jones that went, the "Indy. why does the floor move" scene. He noticed there were SEVERAL water moccasins where he had to lay wire. Yet the company in question tried to fire this person. While they're not poisonous, their demeanor isn't exactly friendly. How about another person, who throws out their back on the job and needs to be out for a period of time. Yet the company in question tried to fire him even though all paarties involved knew the person did nothing incorrectly. Even another person, who was given the impression that her leave of absence was approved but wasn't (several people in the HR department knew that much). Yet, this person was fired. Not to mention that adding the cost of training to builders to train carpenters, welders, electricians and so on would mean more cost for the home builders. No one wins, do they? Didn't think so.

One name does come to mind. Vic Morrow, the late actor who starred in movie and TV. He was killed accidentally along with two children during the making of "Twilight Zone: The Movie" in 1983. It was these deaths that SAG (the Screen Actors Guild) began to take set safety more seriously. In the 1980's, 37 people were killed in on-set accidents (1).

Professional sports don't fit in this conversation. They are self-governing (salary cap, revenue shaing, etc) and(for the most part) profitable. I am not for the blatant abuse by unions such as the UAW and SEIU and even its members aren't the ones doing the damage. It's the leadership. What a shame it is when members hear their leaders say lets mobilize, too many of them have no idea what they're getting into. In fact, too many members don't even read their contracts and union by-laws. They're stuck between apathetic union leadership and an indifferent employer. Great place to be right? Unions were formed to assure workers a fair wage and decent working conditions. Somewhere along the way, many unions lost their way. The sought the approval of power and not the will of the people they are supposed to serve. So if you do take an anti-union stance, at least consider the examples I have shared here. This is how I see things. When unions serve its members as they are intended (such as trade unions) everyone benefits- members, company and those who they provide service to. For every union that abuses its power, there are others that do what is right.


1. "Stunt Injuries and Fatalities Increasing, Michael McCann, Ph.D., C.I.H.: 
http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts1/HARTS_library/stunts.txt

More from Edgar Guest

The more I find out about this man, the more I'm starting to like him alot. Here are 3 more stories. Enjoy. Again taken from the Mary Morand's(Sofine's Joyfule Moments) Internet site. www.sofinesjoyfulmoments.com

"What Does a Baby Cost"

"How much do babies cost?" said he
The other night upon my knee;
And then I said: "They cost a lot;
A lot of watching by a cot,
A lot of sleepless hours and care,
A lot of heart-ache and despair,
A lot of fear and trying dread,
And sometimes many tears are shed
In payment for our babies small,
But every one is worth it all.

"For babies people have to pay
A heavy price from day to day --
There is no way to get one cheap.
Why, sometimes when they're fast asleep
You have to get up in the night
And go and see that they're all right.
But what they cost in constant care
And worry, does not half compare
With what they bring of joy and bliss --
You'd pay much more for just a kiss.

"Who buys a baby has to pay
A portion of the bill each day;
He has to give his time and thought
Unto the little one he's bought.
He has to stand a lot of pain
Inside his heart and not complain;
And pay with lonely days and sad
For all the happy hours he's had.
His smile is worth it all, you bet."

The Pefect Dinner Table

A tablecloth that's slightly soiled
Where greasy little hands have toiled;
The napkins kept in silver rings,
And only ordinary things
From which to eat, a simple fare,
And just the wife and kiddies there,
And while I serve, the clatter glad
Of little girl and little lad
Who have so very much to say
About the happenings of the day.

Four big round eyes that dance with glee,
Forever flashing joys at me,
Two little tongues that race and run
To tell of troubles and of fun;
The mother with a patient smile
Who knows that she must wait awhile
Before she'll get a chance to say
What she's discovered through the day.
She steps aside for girl and lad
Who have so much to tell their dad.

Our manners may not be the best;
Perhaps our elbows often rest
Upon the table, and at times
That very worst of dinner crimes,
That very shameful act and rude
Of speaking ere you've downed your food,
Too frequently, I fear, is done,
So fast the little voices run.
Yet why should table manners stay
Those tongues that have so much to say?

At many a table I have been
Where wealth and luxury were seen,
And I have dined in halls of pride
Where all the guests were dignified;
But when it comes to pleasure rare
The perfect dinner table's where
No stranger's face is ever known:
The dinner hour we spend alone,
When little girl and little lad
Run riot telling things to dad.

"The Weaver"

The patter of rain on the roof,
The glint of the sun on the rose;
Of life, these the warp and the woof,
The weaving that everyone knows.
Now grief with its consequent tear,
Now joy with its luminous smile;
The days are the threads of the year--
Is what I am weaving worth while?

What pattern have I on my loom?
Shall my bit of tapestry please?
Am I working with gray threads of gloom?
Is there faith in the figures I seize?
When my fingers are lifeless and cold,
And the threads I no longer can weave
Shall there be there for men to behold
One sign of the things I believe?

God sends me the gray days and rare,
The threads from his bountiful skein,
And many, as sunshine, are fair.
And some are as dark as the rain.
And I think as I toil to express
My life through the days slipping by,
Shall my tapestry prove a success?
What sort of weaver am I?

Am I making the most of the red
And the bright strands of luminous gold?
Or blotting them out with the thread
By which all men's failure is told?
Am I picturing life as despair,
As a thing men shall shudder to see,
Or weaving a bit that is fair
That shall stand as the record of me?

From: Just Folks by Edgar A. Guest
Copyright 1917 by The Reilly & Britton

Selected Works by Edgar Guest

I've been somewhat familiar with the name Edgar "Eddie" Guest (1881-1959). He was a poet in the early 20th century and has written some very fine works. Guest worked for the Detroit Press for 60 years, working his way up the reporter ranks. Of recent, I had seen a few of his works in "The Book of Vitures" and "The Moral Compass", edited by William J Bennett. Guest's work really caught my attention because it makes so much sense. His ability to write about different topics is priceless. His writing style may throw some people off. Guest, being born in England, seems to write as one from that era would write.

Below are just three examples. Enjoy.
I took these from the Internet site listed here- ().

- A Patriot's Creed (On Patriotism)

'"To serve my country day by day
At any humble post I may;
To honor and respect her flag,
To live the traits of which I brag;
To be American in deed
As well as in my printed creed.

To stand for truth and honest toil,
To till my little patch of soil,
And keep in mind the debt I owe
To them who died that I might know
My country, prosperous and free,
And passed this heritage to me.

I always must in trouble's hour
Be guided by the men in power;
For God and country I must live,
My best for God and country give;
No act of mine that men may scan
Must shame the name American.

To do my best and play my part,
American in mind and heart;
To serve the flag and bravely stand
To guard the glory of my land;
To be American in deed:
God grant me strength to keep this creed!"'

- Can't (On Character and Perseverance)

This should be shared with any kid or adult for that matter. This story was one story in "The Book of Virtues" and one I found very profound.

Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;
Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
On it is many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
And robs us of courage we need through the day;
It rings in our ears like a timely sent warning
And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

Can't is the father of feeble endeavor,
The parent of terror and halfhearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

Can't is a word none should speak without blushing;
To utter it should be a symbol of shame;
Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.
Despise it with all of your hatred of error;
Refuse it the lodgement it seeks in your brain;
Arm against it as a creature of terror,
And all that you dream of you someday shall gain.

Can't is the word that is foe to ambition
An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;
Its prey is forever the man with a mission
And bows but to courage and patience and skill.
Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,
For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;
Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
And answer this demon by saying: "I can."'

- Faith (the title says it all)

'This much I know:
God does not wrong us here,
Though oft His judgments seem severe
And reason falters 'neath the blow,
Some day we'll learn 'twas better so.

So oft I've erred
In trifling matters of my own concern;
So oft I've blundered at the simplest turn,
Chosen the false path or the foolish word
That what I call my judgment seems absurd.

My puny reason cries
Against the bitter and the cruel blows,
Measuring the large world by the inch it knows,
Seeing all joy and pain through selfish eyes,
Not knowing hurt and suffering may be wise.

But I have come to see,
So vast God's love, so infinite His plan
That it is well it was not left to man
To alter or to say what is to be,
When reason failed, faith also then would flee.

God knoweth best!
Through the black night and agony of grief
Faith whispers low: "Hold fast to your belief!
In time His purpose He shall manifest,
Then shall you learn how greatly you were blest."'

George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior

Not long ago, I was reading two classic books by William Bennett ("The Book of Vitures" and "The Moral Compass"). If you've never read either book, I would encourage you to do so. Anyway, I noticed one of the stories featured was "George Washington's Rules of Civility" and I was captivated. The message is so common sense yet so easily forgotten. Washington wrote this as a 16 year old, influenced by the works of Jesuit Priests. It served as the foundation for the man who would eventually become a statesman.

While reading this, I must say that this is something I would want to commit to memory. Now I know the wording could be a bit of a challenge but I have a solution. If you struggle with the "Put not's", "Turn not's" and wording of the like, think of the phrase as "Don't put", "Don't turn" and so on. It could make the read and its message easier to read and understand. The message is below and I hope you will enjoy it. I took the version from National Center for Public Policy Research.

The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation

by George Washington

1 Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.

2 When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.

3 Show nothing to your friend that may affright him.

4 In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming voice, or drum with your fingers or feet.

5 If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it not loud but privately, and speak not in your yawning, but put your handkerchief or hand before your face and turn aside.

6 Sleep not when others speak; sit not when others stand; speak not when you should hold your peace; walk not on when others stop.

7 Put not off your clothes in the presence of others, nor go out your chamber half dressed.

8 At play and attire, it's good manners to give place to the last comer, and affect not to speak louder than ordinary.

9 Spit not into the fire, nor stoop low before it; neither put your hands into the flames to warm them, nor set your feet upon the fire, especially if there be meat before it.

10 When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even; without putting one on the other or crossing them.

11 Shift not yourself in the sight of others, nor gnaw your nails.

12 Shake not the head, feet, or legs; roll not the eyes; lift not one eyebrow higher than the other, wry not the mouth, and bedew no man's face with your spittle by [approaching too near] him [when] you speak.

13 Kill no vermin, or fleas, lice, ticks, etc. in the sight of others; if you see any filth or thick spittle put your foot dexterously upon it; if it be upon the clothes of your companions, put it off privately, and if it be upon your own clothes, return thanks to him who puts it off behavior or saluting, ought also to be observed in taking of place and sitting down for ceremonies without bounds are troublesome.

14 Turn not your back to others, especially in speaking; jog not the table or desk on which another reads or writes; lean not upon anyone.

15 Keep your nails clean and short, also your hands and teeth clean, yet without showing any great concern for them.

16 Do not puff up the cheeks, loll not out the tongue with the hands, or beard, thrust out the lips, or bite them, or keep the lips too open or too close.

17 Be no flatterer, neither play with any that delight not to be played withal.

18 Read no letter, books, or papers in company, but when there is a necessity for the doing of it, you must ask leave; come not near the books or writtings of another so as to read them unless desired, or give your opinion of them unasked,- also look not nigh when another is writing a letter.

19 Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave.

20 The gestures of the body must be suited to the discourse you are upon.

21 Reproach none for the infirmities of nature, nor delight to put them that have in mind of thereof.

22 Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another though he were your enemy.

23 When you see a crime punished, you may be inwardly pleased; but [damaged manuscript] show pity to the suffering offender.

24 [damaged manuscript]

25 Superfluous compliments and all affectation of ceremonies are to be avoided, yet where due they are not to be neglected.

26 In putting off your hat to persons of distinction, as noblemen, justices, churchmen, etc., make a reverence, bowing more or less according to the custom of the better bred, and quality of the persons; among your equals expect not always that they should begin with you first; but to pull off the hat when there is no need is affectation, in the manner of saluting and resaluting in word keep to the most usual custom.

27 'Tis ill manners to bed one more eminent than yourself be covered, as well as not to do it to whom it is due. Likewise he that makes too much haste to put on his hat does not well, yet he ought to put it on at the first, or at most the second time of being asked; now what is herein spoken, of qualification in behavior or saluting ought to be taking place and sitting down for ceremonies without bounds are troublesome.

28 If any one come to speak to you while you are [are] sitting, stand up, though he be your inferior, and when you present seats, let it be to everyone according to his degree.

29 When youmeet with one of greater quality than yourself, stop, and retire, especially if it be at a door or any straight place, to give way for him to pass.

30 In walking the highest place in most countries hand; therefore place yourself on the left of him whom you desire to honor: but if three walk together the middle place is the most honorable; the wall is usally given to the most worthy if two walk together.

31 If anyone far surpasses others, either in age, estate, or merits [and] would give place to a meaner than himself, the same ought not to accept it, s[ave he offer] it above once or twice.

32 To one that is your equal, or not much inferior, you are to give the chief place in your lodging, and he to whom it is offered ought at the first to refuse it, but at the second to accept though not without acknowledging his own unworthiness.

33 They that are in dignity or in office have in all places precedency, but whilst they are young, they ought to respect those that are their equals in birth or other qualities, though they have no public charge.

34 It is good manners to prefer them to whom we speak before ourselves, especially if they be above us, with whom in no sort we ought to begin.

35 Let your discours with men of business be short and comprehensive.

36 Artificers and persons of low degree ought not to use many ceremonies to lords or others of high degree, but respect and highly honor then, and those of high degree ought to treat them with affability and courtesy, without arrogance.

37 In speaking to men of quality do not lean nor look them full in the face, nor approach too near them at left. Keep a full pace from them.

38 In visiting the sick, do not presently play the physician if you be not knowing therein.

39 In writing or speaking, give to every person his due title according to his degree and the custom of the place.

40 Strive not with your superior in argument, but always submit your argument to others with modesty.

41 Undertake not to teach your equal in the art himself professes; it (manuscript damaged ) of arrogance.

42 [damaged manuscript]; and same with a clown and a prince,

43 Do not express joy before one sick in pain, for that contrary passion will aggravate his misery.

44 When a man does all he can, though it succeed not well, blame not him that did it.

45 Being to advise or reprehend any one, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private, and presently or at some other time; in what terms to do it; and in reproving show no signs of cholor but do it with all sweetness and mildness.

46 Take all admonitions thankfully in what time or place soever given, but afterwards not being culpable take a time and place convenient to let him know it that gave them.

47 Mock not nor jest at any thing of importance. Break no jests that are sharp, biting,- and if you deliver any thing witty and pleasant, abstain from laughing thereat yourself.

48 Where in [wherein] you reprove another be unblameable yourself, -for example is more prevalent than precepts,

49 Use no reproachful language against any one; neither curse nor revile.

50 Be not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any.

51 Wear not your clothes foul, or ripped, or dusty, but see they be brushed

once every day at least and take heed that you approach not to any uncleanness.

52 In your apparel be modest and endeavor to accommodate nature, rather than to procure admiration; keep to the fashion of your equals, such as are civil and orderly with respect to time and places.

53 Run not in the streets, neither go too slowly, nor with mouth open; go not shaking of arms, nor upon the toes, nor in a dancing [damaged manuscript].

54 Play not the peacock, looking every where about you, to see if you be well decked, if your shoes fit well, if your stockings sit neatly and clothes handsomely.

55 Eat not in the streets, nor in your house, out of season.

56 Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.

57 In walking up and down in a house, only with one in company if he be greater than yourself, at the first give him the right hand and stop not till he does and be not the first that turns, and when you do turn let it be with your face towards him; if he be a man of great quality walk not with him cheek by jowl but somewhat behind him but yet in such a manner that he may easily speak to you.

58 Let your conversation be without malice or envy, for 'tis a sign of a tractable and commendable nature, and in all causes of passion permit reason to govern.

59 Never express anything unbecoming, nor act against the rules before your inferiors.

60 Be not immodest in urging your friends to discover a secret.

61 Utter not base and frivolous things among grave and learned men, nor very difficult questions or subjects among the ignorant, or things hard to be believed; stuff not your discourse with sentences among your betters nor equals.

62 Speak not of doleful things in a time of mirth or at the table; speak not of melancholy things or death and wounds, and if others mention them, change if you can the discourse; tell not your dream, but to your intimate.

63 A man ought not to value himself of his achievements or rare qualities [damaged manuscript] virtue or kindred.

64 Break not a jest where none take pleasure in mirth; laugh not alone, nor at all without occasion; deride no man's misfortune though there seem to be some cause.

65 Speak not injurious words neither in jest nor earnest; scoff at none although they give occasion.

66 Be not froward but friendly and courteous, the first to salute, hear, and answer; and be not pensive when it's a time to converse.

67 Detract not from others, neither be excessive in commanding.

68 Go not thither, where you know not whether you shall be welcome or not; give not advice [without] being asked, and when desired do it briefly.

69 If two contend together take not the part of either unconstrained, and be not obstinate in your own opinion; in things indifferent be of the major side.

70 Reprehend not the imperfections of others,for that belongs to parents, masters, and superiors.

71 Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others and ask not how they came. What you may speak in secret to your friend, deliver not before others.

72 Speak not in an unknown tongue in company but in your own language and that as those of quality do and not as the vulgar; sublime matters treat seriously-

73 Think before you speak; pronounce not imperfectly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly and distinctly.

74 When another speaks, be attentive yourself; and disturb not the audience. If any hesitate in his words, help him not nor prompt him without desired; interrupt him not, nor answer him till his speech has ended.

75 In the midst of discourse [damaged manuscript] but if you perceive any stop because of [damaged manuscript]; to proceed: If a person of quality comes in while you're conversing, it's handsome to repeat what was said before.

76 While you are talking, point not with your finger at him of whom you discourse, nor approach too near him to whom you talk especially to his face.

77 Treat with men at fit times about business and whisper not in the company of others.

78 Make no comparisons and if any of the company be commended for any brave act of virtue, commend not another for the same.

79 Be not apt to relate news if you know not the truth thereof. In discoursing of things you have heard, name not your author always; a secret discover not. I

80 Be not tedious indiscourse or in reading unless you find the company pleased therewith.

81 Be not curious to know the affairs of others, neither approach those that speak in private.

82 Undertake not what you cannot perform but be careful to keep your promise.

83 When you deliver a matter do it without passion and with discretion, however mean the person be you do it to.

84 When your superiors talk to anybody neither speak nor laugh.

85 In company of those of higher quality than yourself, speak not 'til you are asked a question, then stand upright, put off your hat and answer in few words.

86 In disputes, be not so desirous to overcome as not to give liberty to one to deliver his opinion and submit to the judgment of the major part, specially if they are judges of the dispute.

87 [damaged manuscript] as becomes a man grave, settled, and attentive [damaged manuscript] [predict not at every turn what others say.

88 Be not diverse in discourse; make not many digressions; nor repeat often the same manner of discourse.

89 Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.

90 Being set at meat scratch not, neither spit, cough, or blow your nose except there's a necessity for it.

91 Make no show of taking great delight in your the table; neither find great delight in your victuals; feed not with greediness; eat your bread with a knife; lean not on the table; neither find fault with what you eat.

92 Take no salt or cut bread with your knife greasy.

93 Entertaining a anyone at table it is decent to present him with meat; undertake not to help others desired by the master.

94 If you soak bread in the sauce, let it be no more than what you put in your mouth at a time and blow not your broth at table; let it stay till it cools of itself.

95 Put not your meat to your mouth with your knife in your hand; neither spit forth the stones of any fruit pie upon a dish nor cast anything under the table.

96 It's unbecoming to heap much to one's meat keep your fingers clean; when foul wipe them on a corner of your table napkin.

97 Put not another bite into your mouth till the former be swallow; let not your morsels be too big.

98 Drink not nor talk with your mouth full; neither gaze about you while you are a drinking.

99 Drink not too leisurely nor yet too hastily. Before and after drinking wipe your lips; breathe not then or ever with too great a noise, for it is an evil.

100 Cleanse not your teeth with the tablecloth, napkin, fork, or knife; but if others do it, let it be done without a peep to them.

101 Rinse not your mouth in the presence of others.

102 It is out of use to call upon the company often to eat; nor need you drink to others every time you drink.

103 In company of your betters be not [damaged manuscript] than they are; lay not your arm but [damaged manuscript].

104 It belongs to the chiefest in company to unfold his napkin and fall to meat first; but he ought then to begin in time and to dispatch with dexterity that the slowest may have time allowed him.

105 Be not angry at table whatever happens and if you have reason to be so, show it not but on a cheerful countenance especially if there be strangers, for good humor makes one dish of meat and whey.

106 Set not yourself at the upper of the table but if it be your due, or that the master of the house will have it so, contend not, lest you should trouble the company.

107 If others talk at table be attentive but talk not with meat in your mouth.

108 When you speak of God or his Attributes, let it be seriously; reverence, honor and obey your natural parents although they be poor.

109 Let your recreations be manful not sinful.

110 Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.