With tomorrow being Martin Luther King Day which is a day that is supposed to be devoted to service, I would like to talk about the way we treat each other and people in the “service” industry.

Yesterday I was shopping at my local grocery store. As usual I had my IPOD on and playing in my ears, but as I was checking out I made sure to say please, thank you and as before I walked away I said “You have a great day!” I then proceeded to the customer service desk to purchase my lottery tickets, since I AM going to win! I noticed the women who was behind me when I was checking out my groceries coming to the same counter and I jokingly said “Are you following me?” The women then kind of shocked me and said that I was very kind to the young man checking out my order and that I had a great personality. And just this past week I was purchasing a coffee at Wawa and when I said “Thank you and you have a great day” the young man seemed to be shocked at what I said.

This made me think, why should what I had done stick out to this women or this teenager at Wawa? Have we become such a entitled society that we no longer thank people for doing us a service? How many times have I held the door for someone or let a car out in traffic and not been acknowledged for doing so? It seems that more and more this common courtesy seems to be disappearing. I don’t think that this is a generational thing, because it’s the young and the old that seem not to know how to say “Thank you”.

This not only be courteous but is also, just good manners. Parents teach your children by not only your words but also by your actions.

I’ve often said that EVERYONE teenager should have to work in the service industry. It teaches them at a young age what it’s like to be on the other side of not being thanked or not being tipped well or in some cases being yelled at.

So, in the spirit of Martin Luther King Day, when someone does you a service no matter how small remember to say “Thank you” or wave at the car letting you out in traffic, you might be surprised at how “karma” comes back to reward you!

As always your comments are welcome and remember to stop, take a look around and enjoy your view.

I know I am behind in updating my blog but it doesn’t mean that my opinions still aren’t flourishing and hopefully I will be playing catch up in the weeks to come.
The one subject that has been top of mind for me lately is the news that Michael Vick would like to be able to get a dog for his kids! Say WHAT???
On “The View” (the show that inspired this blog) this was one of their “Hot Topics”. Everyone, except for Joy Behar thought that he did his time and should be allowed to get a dog for the kids, including Barbara Walters, proud owner of Cha Cha her own dog. They said that he paid his dues to society and felt that he was rehabilitated and his girls really wanted a dog.
I’m sorry ladies but I’m going to have to disagree with you. Personally, I equate animal abusers to pedophiles. They both prey on innocents who do not have the capabilities to fight back. And for both the children and the dogs they will never be the same innocent beings again. They are scarred for life both loosing “trust” in their lives.
On “The View” they said that we let people who have been abusers to go back with their families and children once they get out and give them a second chance. But, do we do it with pedophiles? No, they have to register with the local police and on sex offender’s websites and are not allowed to live near children. We even have Megan’s Laws in most states to protect the innocents.
Michael Vick, I’m fine with you making millions of dollars playing football, you are entitled to make a living but as far as the dogs go, I think it should be part of your punishment that you have to explain to your children why they can’t have a dog.
And as far as your so called “rehabilitation, why haven’t you called and checked on the dogs that were abused by your deeds? Also, I want to know why I haven’t heard of you contributing some of those million dollar paychecks you get to animal shelters for abused animals or to the SPCA or even doing public service announcements? If you really cared and were sorry for what you did you would want to do anything you could to help out animals.
If I had my way we would have the capabilities of having a network with all kennels, shelters, breeders and any other places that offer pets to check and see if you are a convicted animal abuser. I’m sorry but I truly love animals and I can’t stand to see them hurt.
Well that’s it for now, and as always your comments are welcome. And remember to stop, take a look around and enjoy the view. Coming soon A View on the new Republican Congress.