Rich's Random Thoughts 2-1-08

RICH'S RANDOM THOUGHTS

By Richard Briggs
February 1, 2008

*Manners. When I was a kid, my parents raised me to say “Yes, sir; No, sir; Yes, ma’am; No, ma’am, and Mr., Mrs., Miss., or Ms.” I was also taught to say Please, Thank you, Thanks, and Excuse me. I must have been in the minority because, in today’s society, I have not come across very many examples of ADULTS using these manners, and that bothers me. We complain all the time about kids today. Well, what example do they have to follow?

I have come across adults who say “Give me that” without even so much as a courtesy to the person they are asking. When I worked in retail in the early 1990s, I learned so much by working with the public that working in education is a piece of cake. I have never seen so many people thinking they are entitled to things, or do things, just because they are adults. I had instances where I had people just throw, or toss, money and credit cards at me while ringing up a purchase. They got their change, if it applied, and their receipts in the same manner. Those people were not too good, in my eyes, to think they were going to get over on me. I was willing to help any customer I could, but I expected the same respect in return.

Recently, and over a period of the last few years, I have come across more examples of adults acting like the world owes them something. At first, I was going to point out senior citizens, because I have always been taught to respect my elders, and I still do. However, this issue is not limited to them. I have come across people who are middle aged, and younger, and any simple act of kindness is met with a blank stare or nothing at all. Talk about ignorance and arrogance!

Around Christmas time, I was going into a local convenience store and there were three older folks coming out. First was a woman holding a large box. I held the door open for her and she just gave me a half hearted smile. No “thank you, sir, or thank you, young man.” Nothing. Behind her was a gentleman in probably his 50s. He looked up at me and gave me a smile and that was it. No “thank you.” The third person was another lady, behind the man, and she just looked at me. No smile, nothing. No “thank you,” nothing.

As I went into the store, I just kind of shook my head at these people whom I tried to show some respect to and they acted like it was my duty and obligation to “provide” for them without even so much as a gesture of thanks. I chuckled to myself, too, because I almost expected the reaction I got. I know it takes all kinds to move this big, blue marble and these folks were just a tip if the iceberg.

More recently, I went to my local post office. This is another place where the populace can run the gamut of appreciation. I was exiting the post office and a gentleman was in the process of walking in. I held the door open for him and he didn’t even bother looking at me, let alone say “Thanks, or Thank you.” Now, my reaction has been in the past to say in a loud voice “You’re welcome” upon going in my direction when someone refuses to even acknowledge my act of kindness. I still do that on occasion, but I have learned to pick my spots.

I have often wondered how these “adults” were raised by their parents, or guardians. I constantly reinforce in the kids I work with to at least say “Please” when asking for something. This includes the boys, who think it’s cool just to grab something they need without even asking for it. A little humility never hurt anybody, whether it be adults or students. However, I have found it very disturbing that people, who I feel should know better, are acting in this manner. No one is exempt from at least using some form of manners when another person does something to help out. This is just plain ignorance and it is uncalled for.

I have had other instances in my travels. This does not apply to everyone, but I think we are losing more of our values and morals when we act like it is our entitlement to have a door held open for us, or someone does something to help you out. I would like to think we are better than that, but I am beginning to believe I am gravely mistaken. Just another matter that, again, puts me in the minority.

*I sent an e-mail message to all of my representatives in Congress. Those members are John Murtha, Bob Casey, and Arlen Specter. I sent them a message urging them to expedite the economic stimulus package so that we can our rebate checks sooner than later. If they stay the course, we won’t see those checks until May. I honestly don’t know how that is going to help our economy, now, when we won’t see that money for at least three more months. Too much can happen between now and then.

To boot, I also read where, now, the Democrats want to add to the bill, further slowing its passage and sending less to those of us who earn a paycheck. While I have no problem with senior citizens getting a piece of the pie, I do have a problem with getting LESS of my money back to spend as I see fit. Attention all politicians, but especially the Democrats: the money does not belong to you. It belongs to the people you represent and should be returned to those who work hard to earn it. Trust me, we will put it to good use. Far better than anything you all can think of, like wasteful government spending.

*I had a discussion with some of my colleagues a couple of weeks ago talking about the quality of American made products. We all know that most of what we have been buying lately has been made in China. While that is bothersome in itself, my colleagues and I agree on something, which is also unfortunate.

Several jobs have been outsourced over the last number of years. Much of that has to do with the low cost of labor overseas. No one wants to see anyone lose their jobs. I would like to buy American as much as the next person. However, one thing that seems to be prevalent is that no one wants to work anymore for their paycheck, and I feel that is a big part of the problem. It has been said never to buy a vehicle that is made on Mondays or Fridays. Monday is the first day back to work after a weekend, and Fridays are the beginning of weekends. This has traditionally meant that there has been a lack of focus on those days by those who do the work of manufacturing vehicles.

I want to buy American made products. I want to support this country. When I was in the private sector, I had pride in everything I did. This was reflected in the work I produced. I don’t think we see much of that anymore. I have a cousin who is a dry wall finisher and every job he is on, he does his best to do the work right, get the job done, and move on. He does not like to waste time and he gets upset when those trades working in front of him drag their feet, preventing him from doing what he needs to do.

When my father was alive, he felt the same way, working for a roofing company. There are those who go to work just to earn a paycheck and do not put the effort into doing the work right. That costs money, in addition to labor costs, and companies cannot afford to keep paying for mistakes made by their workers. It hurts to say this, but it’s true, because I have seen this firsthand and I have also heard it from others.

I believe one of the reasons why the Big Three auto manufacturers in Detroit are having problems is in part because of the labor issue. More people are buying foreign made automobiles because the quality is better and the vehicle lasts longer. Two of my friends I grew up with used to own Honda Accords because they were reliable, dependable vehicles and they lasted nearly forever. While my dad gave them a “hard” time about that, he also saw their point and couldn’t blame them on how they spent their money. He just didn’t like the fact they were buying foreign made automobiles. He felt they should be buying American.

None of the Big Three manufacture their vehicles in the States. Only Toyota builds their vehicles in the USA, and they are a Japanese automaker. There is something fundamentally wrong with this picture when a foreign automaker builds its products in America and the Big Three has theirs manufactured outside the country. I feel it’s time for the American worker to wake up and realize what is going on before it is too late. Americans want to buy American made products, but they want them to be quality products as well.

*Do we really want another Clinton in the White House? I don’t know that I can handle another four to eight years of Billary.