Monday, January, 14, 2013 —
I’ve been noticing something troubling lately. It is nothing new, but it is something I don’t think I’ve ever addressed. I think as we set forth into 2013, we need to talk about it.
Do people, in general, care any more?
That’s a very general question I know, but it can be touched in many ways, a few of which follow.
Pedestrians. Do you watch out for pedestrians? Do you, as a pedestrian, feel frightened when crossing the street?
I do. I’ve noticed many times lately that cars do not slow down when I’m crossing through a parking lot and entering a store.
Now, I know, there are many jokes you could make about that. You could joke that many people would probably like to run me over.
But it seems as if cars speed up. Are people so occupied with cell phones or a hectic schedule?
I think it’s probably the stress of a busy schedule. We are always rush, rush, rush. That’s a given in my business. We have to get the story quickly and to our readers, website visitors, Facebook friends and Twitter followers in a timely manner. Many other occupations are the same way.
Yet, when it comes to going to the grocery store or to a movie, is it a necessity to race to get there? Why not leave a few minutes earlier to ensure a safe arrival?
What makes it worse is when someone fails to stop for a stopped school bus or pull over for a first responder or paramedic.
I know this simplifies it some, but have you ever watched the 1970s television show “Emergency?” Even though it is a staged dramatic program, there were instances on it when they would have a wreck going to a wreck or uncooperative bystanders.
These crews have a job to do, so please let them do it. Sometimes we have to attend the scenes of something horrific. We don’t like doing it, but it is part of the job and we’re always respectful of working in the right parameters of the scene.
A few news reporters said the incident at Sandy Hook Elementary put life in perspective.
So with that tragic image still in our memory, as we enter 2013 let’s show more kindness to our fellow man. Slow down when you can. Help someone in need. Let’s place more inspiring stories and positive vibes in our life.
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B.J. Drye
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Speed up if necessary, take it slow for small stresses
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