It's common for a an outgoing US President in the final months of his term to enact regulations that don't get Congressional or Public review under the auspices of Executive review and interest. George W. Bush is no exception. However, his administration is taking this practice too far by working to enact reglations not for the benefit of the American people, but for the financial benefit of mining, power, timber, and other big businesses that could take decades to undo if once enacted.
Among the changes:
-Opening the approval process to allow for a ramping up of "Topping" mountains in the Appalachians for the purpose of faster, less expensive access to coal deposits. This practice, denounced by environmental groups and recreational groups, leaves permanent, visible damage to the mountains that cannot be undone. Last I heard, the mining companies had "Topped" over 1200 mountains. Enacting this regulation could quadruple the visible damage within a few short years. Additionally, the mining companies are lobbying hard to remove the restrictions on allowing mining pollution into streams, thereby polluting the water sources for many towns downstream from mining operations. This will add dangerously high levels of lead, mercury, cadmium, and other dangerous toxins contained in the slurry from mining.
-Removing nearly every restriction on coal fired power plants meant to protect the air, streams, lakes, and rivers we all enjoy--not to mention the billions of tons of particulate matter that would be dumped into the atmoshere on a yearly basis. Acid rain absolutely comes to mind when considering the ramifications if this is established.
-Abandoning restrictions on waste and emissions produced by oil refineries. This could very well lead to dangerously high pollution both into the air and into the ground/streams that would pose a very real risk to anyone near the refineries. Remember too, that our most-hated President gained his fortune in the oil industry, so I'm sure he has not only self-interest here, but also the interests of a number of his oil buddies around the country.
There are also the usual number of Presidential pardons (non are controversial--at least not that I've heard), Presidential favors to other Special Interest and Business groups, etc.
While every President uses the Holiday recess to enact various laws and/or regulations, they are usually enacted in the best interest of the American people--or at the very least, with the extensive commentary of public input. True to his deceitful form, Dubya (and Administration Cronies) is acting is his, and his Friends' best interest in mind. Forget about what is best for the Country as long as he and his friends are taken care of long after he leaves office.
After all, he's already assured his biggest Crony, Dick Cheney, guaranteed income for the foreseeable future with the no-bid contracts to Haliburton for both the wars currently being fought.
Talk about Lame.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Possibly THE Worst Drivers In This Country (Part 2)
I thought that I had rid myself of all the angst I feel on a daily basis regarding the drivers here in the [ugly] State of Utah; but alas, I am mistaken.
In addition to everything else I stated in my previous post, I thought I would give additional illustration about what a dangerous place Utah is [as it relates to driving]. To start, I have a friend in Oregon who read my previous post on this subject, and she completely agrees with me. Further, she adds that the drivers in her state (Oregon) are closing the gap on the horrific Utah drivers.
In addition to everything else I stated in my previous post, I thought I would give additional illustration about what a dangerous place Utah is [as it relates to driving]. To start, I have a friend in Oregon who read my previous post on this subject, and she completely agrees with me. Further, she adds that the drivers in her state (Oregon) are closing the gap on the horrific Utah drivers.
Alright...the illustrations...
-When you merge onto a freeway, the law generally provides that while existing traffic on the road is obligated to allow room for you to merge. At the same time, drivers entering the freeway are obligated to position themselves to provide for a safe merge, even if that means slowing down a bit.
In this state, drivers don't know what the word "merge" means. Why? Because they force their way into traffic--even at the risk of causing accidents. I quickly learned to get out of a lane when cars are "merging" onto the road. Utah drivers barely even look over their shoulders to observe traffic. Fewer use their signals. I've had merging traffic pass me on my RIGHT side (they were driving on the shoulder to do so!) to get in front of me when they entered the road way. Not only is this maneuver illegal, it's just plain dangerous!!!
-Speaking of signals, I think a lot of cars here must have broken levers on their signals. Drivers here either don't know, or don't care (more likely) that a signal ahead of any maneuver is to let other drivers know what you're going to do, and can take the proper steps to maintain safety for everyone. I estimate a good 90% of Utah drivers NEVER signal.
-When I moved here I made regular use of turn lanes. Whenever I drive out of state I still do. But while in Utah I don't use it unless I must. Why? Because drivers here freak out if you actually merge into a turn lane. You get honked at, called foul names, get flipped off, etc. Further, I've even seen cars here use the turn lane as a passing lane! Yeah...scary!!
-An all too common occurance on Utah roads is tail-gating. This incredibly dangerous practice happens so frequently that you almost expect it to be going on. I am a defensive driver. I was taught that being so is the safest way to operate a vehicle. I follow the two second rule almost subconciously. Around here though, defensive drivers seem to be few and far between. Instead, offensive driving rules the roads.
I mentioned in my previous post that most drivers here think that speed limits don't really mean much. Right in line with that thinking is tail-gating. Drivers going faster than you will get so close (while in motion!) that you can't see their car hood in your rear view mirror. Yeah, you read that right! The two second rule is non-existant; but is replaced by a 1/100th of a second standard. That is scary no matter how long you've lived here.
If you have to suddenly slow or stop, the pursuing vehicle's front end will be in your passenger compartment before they even realize they have to slow or stop themselves. Extreme tail-gating is one of the reasons there are so many at-fault accidents in Utah.
-Along these lines (or in addition to) is the all too frequent practice of using your high beams when driving...and I mean all the time! Generally, high beam use is permitted as long as you are at a distance greater than 450-500 feet behind a vehicle you are following, and 350-400 feet of a vehicle approaching you in the opposite direction. To be any closer will cause the drivers in either case to be blinded by your headlights.
In this state, drivers use their high beams constantly. Rural driving, city driving, darkened roads or lighted, you will encounter this rude and dangerous practice at any time when headlights are required. And when a driver tail-gating you has their brights on (again to intimidate you into speeding, pulling over, etc), this highly dangerous practice is magnified many-fold.
-I don't think the term "Right of Way" has been taught to the drivers here. They seem to have no concept of what this is. Why? Because every day I see people pulling out in front of oncoming traffic with seeming impugnity. As long as the 'gun it' and speed up fast enough, everything will be ok. Besides, they can drive however they want...right?
-Here's a doozie--Where is it even possibly fathomable (let along legal) for a driver to make a right hand turn out of the middle or even left lane? Well, here in Utah it must be ok, because this incredibly stupid maneuver takesw place every day....and most of the time it happens, the offending driver doesn't use their signal, so all the other drivers around are caught completely unaware when this ILLEGAL move happens. When you honk, they look at you as if to say, "What? What did I do?" Again, at-fault accidents are all too common here.
-Finally, all of these things I've talked about in this post (and the previous one) are all compounded in severity when the weather is rainy. Now, anybody (outside of Utah) knows that when rain is falling, stopping distances double (or triple, depending on conditions), road spray affects driver vision, and vehicle hydroplaning is a very real possibility.
Here, headlights are infrequently turned on in the rain ("I can see just fine. Why do I need to turn on my lights?"), following distances are terrifyingly close, and drivers rely on their brakes far too much.
I hate driving in the rain here, because everything that goes on, all the unbelievably dangerous things, are amplified thousands of times. While I know my driving will be appropriate, I have less than zero confidence that the other drivers have my safety in mind, let alone their own.
So, I hope that I have furthered my case that the drivers here in Utah are the worst in this country. It really is a dangerous thing...driving every day on the roads of this state. So, if you ever find yourself here, please, be extra cautious, and expect the worst to happen. Otherwise, you could wind up having terrible accident that was caused by one of the wonderful, indiginous drivers who were road safety educated by a state (and legislature) that just doesn't care enough to assure the road safety of its citizens.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Two Weeks Until Election Day
All right folks, this coming Tuesday marks the two-week point until the elections. If you aren't registered by tomorrow, you can't vote this time around. If you are indeed registered, time to make decisions regarding all the various races and propositions you will be asked to choose from.
All of you by now should have received a local voters pamphlet. I ask that you put in the time to read it, and start forming your opinions. I can tell you that I have been reading up on my National and Local choices, and am pretty much set on my voting decisions.
I implore each of you to please be knowledgable on your votes prior to going to the polls. If you don't think you'll remember, then write down how you're planning on voting, and take it with you to the polling station. Then, when Election day arrives (on Tuesday, November 4th), make no excuses and get to the polls. The earlier the better. Polls are typically open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. That gives you lots of time before or after work, school, etc.
PLEASE remember that every vote does indeed count. So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get out and vote!
All of you by now should have received a local voters pamphlet. I ask that you put in the time to read it, and start forming your opinions. I can tell you that I have been reading up on my National and Local choices, and am pretty much set on my voting decisions.
I implore each of you to please be knowledgable on your votes prior to going to the polls. If you don't think you'll remember, then write down how you're planning on voting, and take it with you to the polling station. Then, when Election day arrives (on Tuesday, November 4th), make no excuses and get to the polls. The earlier the better. Polls are typically open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. That gives you lots of time before or after work, school, etc.
PLEASE remember that every vote does indeed count. So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get out and vote!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
The National Debt
Today a headline appeared bemoaning the fact that the National Debt Clock had run out of spaces for more digits. This alarmed me because of how completely confounding this whole situation is. We (the USA) are operating on a debt the likes of which we have never before seen. The current $10,000,000,000,000 (that's ten trillion dollars) deficit is so big that, barring any further deficit spending, it will take us 35-50 years to pay off--if we ever get it paid off.
What really amazes me though, is just why the American people are not demanding answers as to the why's of this thing. How did the debt get so bad?; who authorized all that spending?; when did Congress ask for input from the American people on the current spending?; Why is our President standing by and allowing this to happen instead of demanding a stop to the madness?, etc, etc.
A little info here...
Every one of the Fifty States are required by the Federal Government (and their own State Constitutions) to carry a Balanced Budget. At the end of every year, they must be balanced, or in the black. Yet, the Federal government is under no such rule. They typically carry an ever increasing deficit.
During the Clinton Administration, the White House and Congress hammered out a cohesive, cooperative plan to balance the Federal deficit by the year 2010. Social Security was saved, the military was strong, social programs were intact, and by the end of Clinton's Presidency, the US was not only operation on a yearly budget surplus, we were actually able to decrease the deficit blance by some $450 Billion. We were well on our way to fiscal freedom (and should by now, be a little over a year from it).
At the time, our national Debt had decreased to around $2.5 trillion (down from $3 trillion) over the previous 4 years), and we could all see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
Then, in steps George W. Bush and Cronies. One of the first things they did was plunder Social Security to pay for pet projects. Deficit spending ramped up once again, and all the work that a two-term President and Bi-Partisan Congress had done to ensure the financial well-being of this country was suddenly, inexplicably tossed out. Why? Congress seemed to roll over and not care that all they work that had been done was for nothing. They demanded no answers. They demanded zero accountability.
So, two ongoing wars later, plus an ongoing energy crisis, plus the rape of our lands for profit benefitting energy companies, plus unprecedented deficit spending, and we are in a hole that our great-grandchildren will be paying off (or at least, trying to...).
What a wonderful legacy this lame-duck President is leaving for the American people. I bet he doesn't lose a bit of sleep knowing that while his pals in Energey, Special Interest Lobbies, and Mining companies are making tens of millions, the average American family is having to choose between feeding themselves, paying bills, and having a place to live.
I sure am glad he can sleep knowing what he and his Administration have done over the past 8 years. Good for him...
What really amazes me though, is just why the American people are not demanding answers as to the why's of this thing. How did the debt get so bad?; who authorized all that spending?; when did Congress ask for input from the American people on the current spending?; Why is our President standing by and allowing this to happen instead of demanding a stop to the madness?, etc, etc.
A little info here...
Every one of the Fifty States are required by the Federal Government (and their own State Constitutions) to carry a Balanced Budget. At the end of every year, they must be balanced, or in the black. Yet, the Federal government is under no such rule. They typically carry an ever increasing deficit.
During the Clinton Administration, the White House and Congress hammered out a cohesive, cooperative plan to balance the Federal deficit by the year 2010. Social Security was saved, the military was strong, social programs were intact, and by the end of Clinton's Presidency, the US was not only operation on a yearly budget surplus, we were actually able to decrease the deficit blance by some $450 Billion. We were well on our way to fiscal freedom (and should by now, be a little over a year from it).
At the time, our national Debt had decreased to around $2.5 trillion (down from $3 trillion) over the previous 4 years), and we could all see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.
Then, in steps George W. Bush and Cronies. One of the first things they did was plunder Social Security to pay for pet projects. Deficit spending ramped up once again, and all the work that a two-term President and Bi-Partisan Congress had done to ensure the financial well-being of this country was suddenly, inexplicably tossed out. Why? Congress seemed to roll over and not care that all they work that had been done was for nothing. They demanded no answers. They demanded zero accountability.
So, two ongoing wars later, plus an ongoing energy crisis, plus the rape of our lands for profit benefitting energy companies, plus unprecedented deficit spending, and we are in a hole that our great-grandchildren will be paying off (or at least, trying to...).
What a wonderful legacy this lame-duck President is leaving for the American people. I bet he doesn't lose a bit of sleep knowing that while his pals in Energey, Special Interest Lobbies, and Mining companies are making tens of millions, the average American family is having to choose between feeding themselves, paying bills, and having a place to live.
I sure am glad he can sleep knowing what he and his Administration have done over the past 8 years. Good for him...
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Suing Over A National Day of Prayer
I read today that a large group of athiests in Wisconsin is suing the President, the Governor of Wisconsin, and several others over the country's 'National Day of Prayer.'
These citizens think that they are actually being forced to participate, and that they are excluded politically and societally because of their beliefs. So this group of whatever number they are, are seeking to tell every person in this country what to do and think. What the #@&%!!!
Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars in pursuit of the non-existant "Separation of Church and State" clause, why don't these good folks just decide they won't participate? It is certainly their right to, or not to, take part in the National Day of Prayer. Why sue over what really comes down to as a matter of personal choice?
Hmmm...Let's see...the thinking is probably going something like this..."I'm athiest. I don't believe in God, or prayer. Now, here's the government telling me I have to pray on a specific day.How dare they do that! I'm not going to be forced to pray to a god I don't believe in! I think I'll sue and tell everyone in the country who DOES believe in God that they can't pray to whomever they believe in."
...and the rhetoric would continue. My point again is freedom. Freedom to choose to participate, or to NOT participate. Why do people feel it is essential to enforce their atheism on a majority of Americans who do indeed believe in a Divine being? Remember, this country was founded on Christian principals, by religious, God-fearing men who sought Divine inspiration every morning [through prayer] before continuing their work of framing the government.
The current Government of the United States does NOT endorse any specific religion, it does NOT force anyone to attend church services, it does NOT demand that its citizens pray to any specific Diety. The illusionary separation of Church and State is still intact; the country goes on.
These mamby-pamby atheists have zero business telling me that I can't pray. It is a personal choice to believe, or not believe, in any diety in whatever form.
In the bogus fight over (once again) the non-existant Separation of Church and State, the vast majority of Americans are being told (through Court decisions) they can't pray in public places; they can't worship in public places or on Government owned land; they can't see a display of the Ten Commandments (a set of guidelines which really only help all of us to be better people) pretty much anywhere outside of church buildings; and that the Founding Fathers really never brought religion into the development of this country through legal action, historical distortion, historical omission, rewriting fact to fit their agendas, etc.
Listen folks, this really is about the freedom to choose. Freedom to pray, or to NOT pray. Freedom to choose to participate in a particular event...or NOT. But instead of choosing to NOT participate, these folks are looking to enforce their personal beliefs on everyone else so they don't have "to feel uncomfortable in politics or society."
These citizens think that they are actually being forced to participate, and that they are excluded politically and societally because of their beliefs. So this group of whatever number they are, are seeking to tell every person in this country what to do and think. What the #@&%!!!
Instead of wasting taxpayer dollars in pursuit of the non-existant "Separation of Church and State" clause, why don't these good folks just decide they won't participate? It is certainly their right to, or not to, take part in the National Day of Prayer. Why sue over what really comes down to as a matter of personal choice?
Hmmm...Let's see...the thinking is probably going something like this..."I'm athiest. I don't believe in God, or prayer. Now, here's the government telling me I have to pray on a specific day.How dare they do that! I'm not going to be forced to pray to a god I don't believe in! I think I'll sue and tell everyone in the country who DOES believe in God that they can't pray to whomever they believe in."
...and the rhetoric would continue. My point again is freedom. Freedom to choose to participate, or to NOT participate. Why do people feel it is essential to enforce their atheism on a majority of Americans who do indeed believe in a Divine being? Remember, this country was founded on Christian principals, by religious, God-fearing men who sought Divine inspiration every morning [through prayer] before continuing their work of framing the government.
The current Government of the United States does NOT endorse any specific religion, it does NOT force anyone to attend church services, it does NOT demand that its citizens pray to any specific Diety. The illusionary separation of Church and State is still intact; the country goes on.
These mamby-pamby atheists have zero business telling me that I can't pray. It is a personal choice to believe, or not believe, in any diety in whatever form.
In the bogus fight over (once again) the non-existant Separation of Church and State, the vast majority of Americans are being told (through Court decisions) they can't pray in public places; they can't worship in public places or on Government owned land; they can't see a display of the Ten Commandments (a set of guidelines which really only help all of us to be better people) pretty much anywhere outside of church buildings; and that the Founding Fathers really never brought religion into the development of this country through legal action, historical distortion, historical omission, rewriting fact to fit their agendas, etc.
Listen folks, this really is about the freedom to choose. Freedom to pray, or to NOT pray. Freedom to choose to participate in a particular event...or NOT. But instead of choosing to NOT participate, these folks are looking to enforce their personal beliefs on everyone else so they don't have "to feel uncomfortable in politics or society."
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Are You Registered?
Are you registered to vote in the upcoming Presidential and General Election?
The Consitution of the United States guarantees each citizen's right to participate in the political process. Some choose to run for office, while the majority of citizens 'merely vote.' I say 'merely' in a facecious tone because the right to vote is an incredible thing.
The framers our our government (the Founding Fathers) proposed a thing so completely unique that many observers doubted it would actually work...the power of the citizenery to choose who would lead them.
Over the course of the United States' history, the outcome of our elections has been good, not so good, and sometimes downright bad. Not all elected leaders at any level are exactly who they profess or try to be. The weighty responsibility an elected official has must be tremendous. I've personally known some good men and women who have served in varying levels of government, and not one of them didn't feel a terrible burden every day in office. Not all of them kept their priorities intact either. But at least they were out there trying to make things betters, and to do the best they could.
When we as a voting constituency decide that registering is too bothersome, or that getting to the polls is too much of a hassle, then we are letting ourselves, and our community down. Can you choose not to vote? Absolutely! That's your right.
But if you choose to sit on the sidelines on any election, then I personally feel that you have absolutely ZERO right to complain about the current state of politics on any level. If you want change, then you must participate--even if you are simply casting your vote; because if you don't care enough on election day, then you certainly don't care enough about any issue that affects you on a community, city, county, state, or national (and even international) basis.
Educate yourselves on the offices, candidates, and issues in your area. And PLEASE, get registered. You only have until 30 days prior to the election. Then, on November 4th, make it THE priority to get to your local polling station and utilize that awesome right (and responsibility) and cast your votes for offices at all levels.
The Consitution of the United States guarantees each citizen's right to participate in the political process. Some choose to run for office, while the majority of citizens 'merely vote.' I say 'merely' in a facecious tone because the right to vote is an incredible thing.
The framers our our government (the Founding Fathers) proposed a thing so completely unique that many observers doubted it would actually work...the power of the citizenery to choose who would lead them.
Over the course of the United States' history, the outcome of our elections has been good, not so good, and sometimes downright bad. Not all elected leaders at any level are exactly who they profess or try to be. The weighty responsibility an elected official has must be tremendous. I've personally known some good men and women who have served in varying levels of government, and not one of them didn't feel a terrible burden every day in office. Not all of them kept their priorities intact either. But at least they were out there trying to make things betters, and to do the best they could.
When we as a voting constituency decide that registering is too bothersome, or that getting to the polls is too much of a hassle, then we are letting ourselves, and our community down. Can you choose not to vote? Absolutely! That's your right.
But if you choose to sit on the sidelines on any election, then I personally feel that you have absolutely ZERO right to complain about the current state of politics on any level. If you want change, then you must participate--even if you are simply casting your vote; because if you don't care enough on election day, then you certainly don't care enough about any issue that affects you on a community, city, county, state, or national (and even international) basis.
Educate yourselves on the offices, candidates, and issues in your area. And PLEASE, get registered. You only have until 30 days prior to the election. Then, on November 4th, make it THE priority to get to your local polling station and utilize that awesome right (and responsibility) and cast your votes for offices at all levels.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Common Courtesy Out The Door
What has happened to us? I'm not talking any event; I mean, what has changed in society that makes it ok for people to treat others with disrespect, contempt, abusive language, and complete anger? What used to be unacceptable twenty years ago is now all too common. Why?
Today at my work, a customer called to [incorrectly] complain about a product he had received. When he was told that he was actually in error, he began vilifying three of my management staff, calling them F***n this, and F***n that; yelling; calling them liars; abusively berating them for something that was actually due to a customer error, and nothing we had done.
I was called in to deal with this customer. I gathered all the info I needed, and then took his call. This gentleman lit right into me, and furthered his previous (and now ongoing) beratement of my managers.
I quickly and firmly interrupted him and stated that "Do not talk about my employees like that. It is disrespectful, and I won't tolerate it." At this point, he began directing his anger at me, and started calling me a liar, and insisted I pass him up the line of command, which I refused to do. He then hung up on me; so I left. He then started harassing my managers by calling repeatedly and demanding to speak with me. When he was told I was no longer in the office, this man's tirade started anew.
At this point, I told my managers to make a police complaint. We had the man's phone number, business address, and name. Needless to say, but the next time he called, one of my managers told him that we were calling the police and filing a complaint. He stopped calling; but the complaint was filed anyway.
My question again, Why is it ok to treat others with such contempt and disrespect? It's bad enough when this happens in your personal life, but is compounded when it involves business customers. And this guy was 100% in error in his complaint. Yet, it was our fault. What gives?
We are all born with an innate sense of right and wrong. We know it; we feel it when making both good and bad decisions. Somewhere along the way, some people begin to ignore that sense of right vs. wrong, and go stomping about intent on seeing that everyone hears about how they were wronged, and someone's gotta pay!
It seems to me that this attitude is beginning to filter ever increasingly out into mainstream America. People who used to accept little mistakes (perceived or real) and say, 'That's ok. What can we do to fix it?' are beginning to take offense at comments, body language, even vocal intonations--many of which are completely innocent. Why? What has changed?
As I go about my everyday life, I increasingly notice a pervading sense of selfishness all around me. I try, and I mean really try, not to let myself get caught up in it. It would certainly be easy enough to slip into. This selfishness takes many forms like impatience while driving; ignoring servers in restaurants; demanding satisfaction if something doesn't go your way; berating business employees (even when you are completely in the wrong); extreme and avoidable neighbor issues; treating department store employees like chattle; etc, etc, etc.
If I'm wrong, tell me...but I know that I'm not. This observation is spot on. Its going on every day, and is getting worse with each passing year.
So you might be asking yourself, "What can I do about this?" Well, start with yourself. See if this behavior is infiltrating your everyday life. Then, stop doing whatever, and start living by example. We cannot change everyone we see because we want to. We can only change ourselves, and live by example, hoping that we can influence a few people along the way. If enough people subscribe to this belief and practice it, then things will change...slowly thought it may be.
But if we do nothing and expect change to happen, then we are merely deluding ourselves and will only witness the societal changes worsening year after year. I for one want society to adopt a more tolerant stance in everything we do. Will it happen? Will this change be achievable? I doubt it; but in the mean time, I will try, every single day, to be the best person I can, and to always be aware of how I treat others.
No, I'm not perfect, nor will I ever claim to be. But how I treat others in voice and action is important in my everyday life. I expect to be treated with respect, and I will do my best to treat others the same way. If I don't, then I have failed to follow that innate sense of right and wrong that we are all born with, and am no better than this gentleman that I was forced to deal with today.
Today at my work, a customer called to [incorrectly] complain about a product he had received. When he was told that he was actually in error, he began vilifying three of my management staff, calling them F***n this, and F***n that; yelling; calling them liars; abusively berating them for something that was actually due to a customer error, and nothing we had done.
I was called in to deal with this customer. I gathered all the info I needed, and then took his call. This gentleman lit right into me, and furthered his previous (and now ongoing) beratement of my managers.
I quickly and firmly interrupted him and stated that "Do not talk about my employees like that. It is disrespectful, and I won't tolerate it." At this point, he began directing his anger at me, and started calling me a liar, and insisted I pass him up the line of command, which I refused to do. He then hung up on me; so I left. He then started harassing my managers by calling repeatedly and demanding to speak with me. When he was told I was no longer in the office, this man's tirade started anew.
At this point, I told my managers to make a police complaint. We had the man's phone number, business address, and name. Needless to say, but the next time he called, one of my managers told him that we were calling the police and filing a complaint. He stopped calling; but the complaint was filed anyway.
My question again, Why is it ok to treat others with such contempt and disrespect? It's bad enough when this happens in your personal life, but is compounded when it involves business customers. And this guy was 100% in error in his complaint. Yet, it was our fault. What gives?
We are all born with an innate sense of right and wrong. We know it; we feel it when making both good and bad decisions. Somewhere along the way, some people begin to ignore that sense of right vs. wrong, and go stomping about intent on seeing that everyone hears about how they were wronged, and someone's gotta pay!
It seems to me that this attitude is beginning to filter ever increasingly out into mainstream America. People who used to accept little mistakes (perceived or real) and say, 'That's ok. What can we do to fix it?' are beginning to take offense at comments, body language, even vocal intonations--many of which are completely innocent. Why? What has changed?
As I go about my everyday life, I increasingly notice a pervading sense of selfishness all around me. I try, and I mean really try, not to let myself get caught up in it. It would certainly be easy enough to slip into. This selfishness takes many forms like impatience while driving; ignoring servers in restaurants; demanding satisfaction if something doesn't go your way; berating business employees (even when you are completely in the wrong); extreme and avoidable neighbor issues; treating department store employees like chattle; etc, etc, etc.
If I'm wrong, tell me...but I know that I'm not. This observation is spot on. Its going on every day, and is getting worse with each passing year.
So you might be asking yourself, "What can I do about this?" Well, start with yourself. See if this behavior is infiltrating your everyday life. Then, stop doing whatever, and start living by example. We cannot change everyone we see because we want to. We can only change ourselves, and live by example, hoping that we can influence a few people along the way. If enough people subscribe to this belief and practice it, then things will change...slowly thought it may be.
But if we do nothing and expect change to happen, then we are merely deluding ourselves and will only witness the societal changes worsening year after year. I for one want society to adopt a more tolerant stance in everything we do. Will it happen? Will this change be achievable? I doubt it; but in the mean time, I will try, every single day, to be the best person I can, and to always be aware of how I treat others.
No, I'm not perfect, nor will I ever claim to be. But how I treat others in voice and action is important in my everyday life. I expect to be treated with respect, and I will do my best to treat others the same way. If I don't, then I have failed to follow that innate sense of right and wrong that we are all born with, and am no better than this gentleman that I was forced to deal with today.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Shutting a Freeway for A Fallen Officer
A little over a week ago a terrible thing happened in North Central Washington when a man gunned down 6 innocent people, one of which was a police officer. It was a horrendous unfolding of events that sent shock waves through communities in and around Mount Vernon, WA.
A few days ago, as an honor for the fallen officer, the Washington State Patrol (one of THE finest State Law Forces in the nation) temporarily shut down a portion of Interstate 5 so the funeral procession could travel safely, and as an act of honoring the slain officer.
On Sunday, a "wonderful citizen" of the area wrote a letter of complaint to the Seattle Post Intelligencer stating how ridiculous it was that the freeway was shut down (briefly), and how inconvenienced he was. He was so incensed by the action of the State Patrol that he is considering filing a complaint regarding the whole matter.
What the #@&%?!!
Is this man really serious? Does he have one ounce of compassion for not only this officer, but for her family, or even for the civilians killed as well? So he was late getting to where he needed to be; big deal. So he was upset because of the traffic back-up; what a shame.
This man needs to put his priorities in line. When we feel we are inconvenienced because we have to wait for a funeral procession that also honors someone who has died defending us, then something is seriously wrong with us.
Human compassion is inherent in all of us. Whether we personally know someone who has died or not, we all pause to think about them even if only for a few seconds. Tell me I'm wrong.
I think that this individual needs to put aside his irritation at being inconvenienced. He needs to just stop and think, only for a few seconds. And in doing so, I would hope that he finds it in his heart to realize that his annoyance was unjustified, and just plain wrong.
It is a very sad statement on us all when basic human compassion and kindness is over-ridden by impatience, annoyance, and wrongly placed anger. Sad indeed.
A few days ago, as an honor for the fallen officer, the Washington State Patrol (one of THE finest State Law Forces in the nation) temporarily shut down a portion of Interstate 5 so the funeral procession could travel safely, and as an act of honoring the slain officer.
On Sunday, a "wonderful citizen" of the area wrote a letter of complaint to the Seattle Post Intelligencer stating how ridiculous it was that the freeway was shut down (briefly), and how inconvenienced he was. He was so incensed by the action of the State Patrol that he is considering filing a complaint regarding the whole matter.
What the #@&%?!!
Is this man really serious? Does he have one ounce of compassion for not only this officer, but for her family, or even for the civilians killed as well? So he was late getting to where he needed to be; big deal. So he was upset because of the traffic back-up; what a shame.
This man needs to put his priorities in line. When we feel we are inconvenienced because we have to wait for a funeral procession that also honors someone who has died defending us, then something is seriously wrong with us.
Human compassion is inherent in all of us. Whether we personally know someone who has died or not, we all pause to think about them even if only for a few seconds. Tell me I'm wrong.
I think that this individual needs to put aside his irritation at being inconvenienced. He needs to just stop and think, only for a few seconds. And in doing so, I would hope that he finds it in his heart to realize that his annoyance was unjustified, and just plain wrong.
It is a very sad statement on us all when basic human compassion and kindness is over-ridden by impatience, annoyance, and wrongly placed anger. Sad indeed.
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