Thursday, September 10, 2009 Civility

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I watched President Obama's speech last and must admit I was very impressed. What impressed me most was that he held complete composure even when a congressman called him a liar. I'm not sure if I would have been so calm in the face of that affront.

This brings me to the question; whatever happened to common civility? As Americans we've always been able to debate, discuss (sometimes heatedly), congress, etc. with the idea of treating others as you would like to be treated, most often referred to as respect. But lately I have been amazed at the amount of incivility our society now tollerates.

Yesterday I went to the grocery store doing my weekly shopping. While I was standing in line I watched a young woman literally push an older woman out of the way so she could get in line first. I stood there absolutely dumbfounded. Although I didn't say anything to the pusher, I offered the other lady a place in front of me.

There was a day when people cared about their fellow man. People would smile and say hello on the street. Older people were given the deferance they deserved. People talked to each other with respect even if the idea wasn't shared or agreed upon.

This is the ideal we should be getting back to.