A fascinating law was passed in Louisiana in 1999 requiring students from kindergarten through fifth grade to address their teachers as "Sir" or "Ma'am," or with the courtesy titles "Miss," "Mrs.," "Ms." or "Mr." Some of the teachers supported the measure as a tool for classroom discipline. Others opposed it as a waste of their limited teaching time. Lawmakers, assured by the government that it would sit well with voters, overwhelmingly embraced it.

No one asked, but here is my opinion. I enthusiastically endorse the idea for practical "survival" reasons. The first act of violence at home is generally preceded by violent language. Dr. Jane Healey, in an article in Bottom Line Personal, said, "The development of human language is the development of human thought, and if kids don't talk and listen, they don't think effectively, either. The person who teaches your child to talk teaches your child to think."

Unfortunately, respect for authority is a missing element in our society today. Gangs use lack of respect as an excuse for beating or even killing anyone who "disses" them. If respect for teachers, peers and parents is taught in the classroom, and if children are complimented and congratulated when they give a courteous, respectful answer, it will make for a friendlier environment, and prepare them for the business world when they complete their formal education.

Louisiana lawmakers used superb judgment in the way they implemented this new law. They started by teaching it from kindergarten through fifth grade. Next year, it will apply to sixth-graders, and so on, until it is taught and required in all grades. I'm convinced that one of the benefits will be improved grades. When courtesy and respect are shown in the classroom, there will be less talking and less disturbance, allowing the teacher more time to teach. It will take time for this to take effect, and there will be some who will rebel, but it's more than a cliche to say that behavior that's recognized and rewarded will be repeated. This is true whether the behavior is bad or good.

A pleasant compliment from the teacher when a child responds respectfully will take only a second. A "Thank you, John, that's great" is all that's necessary. Most of us will watch with interest the results of this particular law. I believe other states will follow suit in a year or two. Too bad it has to be a law.

Now that we've dealt with courtesy and respect, let's look at the other side of the coin, and list some of the benefits of using gutter, profane or violent language in our lives:

It influences your children and grandchildren to continue your legacy.

It demonstrates your extensive vocabulary, and displays your communications skills.

It gives you experience in constantly finding new jobs.

It enables you to "fit in" with like-minded people.

It impresses those who appreciate so-called "adult" language. (Filth is still filth, regardless of one's age.)

It clearly separates you from those who have "class."

It gives you extensive experience in seeking new friends.

It substantially reduces your sensitivity.

It dramatically increases your probability of committing violent acts.

It opens the door to numerous minimum-wage jobs and friendships with like-minded associates.

It helps others to get to know you quickly and well, because out of the heart the mouth speaks.

It enables you to move to lower levels more quickly.

It enables you to embarrass, antagonize and irritate more people than almost any other single act.

To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.