Quote Originally Posted by gpmeakin View Post
Although I don't presume to know the mind of the OP, I took this list of rules as a reminder that the 'art' of being a gentleman is declining.
I don't think that if you fail to follow them to the letter, you can't be a gentleman.
I don't drink so I can't follow rule #15.
I can't afford tailored suits (my kilt is custom made 'tho) so rule #10 is out.
The scout oath does say be clean and courteous so I guess that's the same as Rule #1 and #4.
I look at these rules as goals to work toward and thus be a better person to be around and a better example for the generation behind me.
gary
Well said, Gary! It's funny how every time somebody posts something like this, there are always those that seem to be personally insulted or want to argue minute points instead of taking the overall message to heart. I could certainly make modifications to this list to make it better fit my opinions...but I'm quite content to take it as is for it's overall message.

Regarding tailored suits...one does need to be able to afford a custom made suit to fit rule #10. When you buy your suit, get the best fit you can in your shoulders, and then take it to a tailor/seamstress and have it altered in the waist, sleeves, and such to ensure that it fits you like it was made for you. If you have a larger chest than gut, these simple changes should also include moving the buttons about an inch on the right to take up slack in the front. It's that simple...and while it adds about $50 (for jacket and pants) to the overall cost of your suit, it's certainly worth the effort.

Finally, with regards to all the other cowboy codes, etc...I find it quite remarkable the amount of "social programming" that was inserted into TV shows and other forms of media in the 50's and 60's (though I guess it's no different today...many of us just don't like the modern messages). This was clearly a concerted effort to shape the values of a generation (or two)...much the same that the Scouting movement aims to do that very same thing. The difference between them, however, is that in Scouting, this is a stated objective of the program...it's quite overt. In these other programs/codes, it's almost subliminal and covert. Who was behind these efforts? Was it just the great idea of a bunch of producers? Was it an orchestrated effort by the US Government? I'm not a conspiracy theorist...but I do find this to be interesting food for thought.