Is age an excuse for rudeness?

It may just be me, but it appears that our society is, in general, getting more rude. Is politeness a thing of the past, or is it just as we age we get more rude?

Today, my wife and I were waiting in line to be served. I took my turn, but before my wife could take hers, not one but two old men (I wish I could call them "elderdly gentlemen", but I they certainly were not gentlmen) shoved in front of her. One of them even persisted after I told him that it was my wife's turn next!

My wife said I should overlook it due to their advanced ages, but I disagree. Just because people age, does not mean that they should be excused from being polite. Politeness should know no age boundaries or generations.

Old age should. NOT mean a free pass to be rude!

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless handheld.