If hanging out in fast-food joints and racing cars sounds vaguely similar to a high schooler's life today, Welch is quick to point out the differences. There wasn't any dope or meanness like there is now. Welch pointed to the increased peer pressure on today's teens as the main culprit behind the change in demeanor. You kinda' gotta' fit in with them. He's also quick to point out that it was indeed tougher for teens then than it is now.
Kids nowadays have more money.
They drive Lexuses and Mercedes. You drive by Permian and see Corvettes and everything in the parking lot. If it seems Welch is being a little harsh on the youth of today, Taylor and Bates, both of whom are in their early 70s and have been friends nearly as long, echoed many of his statements. There wasn't anything to get into trouble with. There was only a sheriff, a couple of deputies and four or five in the police department, and none of the kids got into trouble with the law.