While looking through the news today concerning respect I came across a letter to the editor posted on theLedger.com. A Mr. Jack Thiessen had paid a visit to the Veterans Affairs Administration in Lakeland Florida. His comment on the treatment he received at the facility is quite disheartening. After all, the people working at Veterans Affairs only have a job due to people like Mr. Thiessen.
He humbly stated “I know that my service in World War II doesn’t entitle me to any special treatment – neither do my Purple Heart and Bronze Star – but I think I am at least due a little common courtesy.”
Every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. Some people deserve a little extra kindness and respect, Mr. Thiessen is one deserving of the little extra respect.
Mike Cline, the author of the article, put it very well as far as the implications of respect, especially in a small town such as Lakeland.
Why do so many people not realize that what you do and how you act can come back to get you? You treat one person poorly and find out they are your kid’s teacher’s father. A teacher treats their student poorly to find out that kid’s dad is their doctor. A doctor treats a patiently poorly and finds out he’s the cook at his favorite restaurant. You cut someone off in traffic and realize the person you just cut off will be dining next to you in the same restaurant.
Think about it, the person you are rude to today may be the person you need help from tomorrow.
{ 0 comments }
