Two And A Half Men

The following "class acts" blog will be about men. There are plenty of female class acts to write about and I shall write about them in the future. They are too high in number to list but I will hit as many of them as possible. The decision to write about men resulted from the onslaught of disappointments we have had in the news lately from men in the headlines. We have been collectively disappointed by politicians,athletes,actors,authors and others. The crimes have varied from infidelity, plagiarism,doping, racism, domestic-abuse, insider-trading, substance abuse, juvenile behavior and reckless conduct to habitual lying. These men have hurt their families,fans,constituents,readers and viewers. They will never again be trusted. They will never again be respected. They neither comprehend or possess integrity. Their excuses have fallen on deaf ears and their lack of responsibility has caused too much hurt. I have several examples of class acts,including my father,who are deceased but I will address two and a half living examples today.

Thankfully University of Georgia Head Football Coach Mark Richt lives in the very same world as the negative headline-grabbers and  he exhibits character and class. Today's headlines announce that he and his wife have sold their lake home. It was their collective decision motivated by their desire to give to those less fortunate. I could give you countless examples of times when Coach Richt took the high road. He encourages his players to give back. Coach Richt is also a family man. His family consists of his wife,three sons and one daughter. Two of their children are adopted from the Ukraine. His family reflects his philosophy about reaching out. He is in a constant state of giving. His attitude reflects one of sportsmanship. He would never laugh at an opponent's lack of athletic ability or ridicule another man for being moved to tears. He isn't that guy. He never forces his faith on you nor does he hesitate to talk about it if asked. His players know that he expects them to "finish the drill" both in the classroom and on the field.  As a graduate of the University of Georgia, I am honored that he is our coach and a leader for our student/athletes. He is respected throughout the conference and NCAA. We are so very fortunate to have a class act leading the Bulldog Nation. I am always honored to be in the same room with him at UGA meetings. There is no concern about what he might say or do. I know what class looks like. It looks like Mark Richt.

Frank is the father of three daughters and one son. He is the grandfather of ten delightful children. He has been married since 1965. It is now 2011 and yes,he has been faithfully married to the love of his life since 1965. He didn't take any breaks and re-find himself. He is a retired physician(Ob-Gyn) and served as a Senior Vice-President on a local hospital board for many years. He has the respect of his colleagues,peers,former patients and fellow community members. Frank has close friends and is never without time for them. He exhibits a discipline that reflects his strong faith and sense of ethics. He believes in hard work whether it be in the classroom or operating room and he conveys that belief to his family. It is his availability and presence that steer the ship that is his family. In familial roles including son,father,brother,husband,grandfather,father-in-law and uncle, he displays patience,love,respect and a quiet strength. It is evident that his family is his first priority. I know what class looks like. It looks like Frank.

The half man I refer to is the boy or young man any of us know. It is up to us to show them what it means to be a class act. I know several young men who are on the right path and show respect to others. They participate in charitable projects and exhibit kindness and compassion on a daily basis. They are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and they would never use hurtful language or communicate bigotry or hate. They are avid readers and creative thinkers. They will make the world a better place. They know what class looks like because they have seen it.

There are several other men who come to mind as fine examples of what it means to be a class act. Rather than describe each of them, I will tell you what characteristics they share. Inevitably they put their family first. Family can include close friends or whomever you consider family. They are loyal. They are faithful. They are ever-present. Selfish is not in their vocabulary. They give of their time without hesitation. You can trust them. They know that once they have lost your trust they will never fully regain it and they treasure that trust. They are men who possess an inherent sense of integrity that you have seen grow though the years. They often have a handy sense of humor and a strong work ethic. They are not only classy but fun to be around.

I know what class looks like. I just don't see enough of it around. Fear not America. They exist. The true class acts do not see themselves as the exception. Sadly, they are. Let's join together and see what we can do to change that. Only then will we be winning.