The Rules of the Gentleman

[BoldHighlander]

I am GLAD that you made your original post. In fact, I'm VERY glad. I think it has been good for XMarks. I also think that it's time to move on, eh?

Hear! Hear!

I'm also glad that Panache, who could be mighty tee'd off about the whole thing, is being himself, and keeping his sense of humour intact. Believe it or not, mine is functioning as well! Yeah, yeah, I know....Ha! but I still am not drinking Gin and Tonic. So I'll toast you and Panache with three fingers of Aberlour 14 year.

Carry on!

Right back at'chya Alan!

[tky58]

Happy New Year!

My mother's maden name is Murphy. I certainly have lived by many of those rules. And trust me many of them apply to the business world. The military is just more honest about shoving the blade in.

The thing that worries me is some 35 years ago Senior Drill Instructor Gy Sgt Phillips made it PAINFULLY obviously to me that 'Gentlemen' are comissioned by the President and an act of Congress.

They also taught me a set of rules that are quite usefull, if you think about it. (I've translated for civilians, with tongue firmly planted in cheek.)

General Orders for Sentries:

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view. (Be responsible)

2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing. (conduct yourself appropriately)

3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce. (Don't overlook evil)

4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own. (Communicate with others)

5. To quit my post only when properly relieved. (Don't give up and dump on others)

6. To recieve, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer Of the Day, and officers, and noncomissioned officers of the guard only. (Play well with others)

7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty. (Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, than open it and remove all doubt)

8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder. (Do I really have to explain this?)

9. To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions. (If in doubt, ask)

10. To salute all officers, and all colors and standards not cased. (Do you remember all those cowboys saying love and honor your country?)

11. To be especially watchful at night and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority. (This one gets explained by the one we added...)

#12. Walk my post from flank to flank and take no sh** from any rank. (Edited for civi readers.)

Steven Wilson, MD (Corporal, USMC)