The Golden Rule.

I have so much to write but not nearly enough time to do so or articulate or edit properly. Our internet is currently out of order so I have been sipping my coffee very slowly at the neighborhood coffee shop & e mailing from my phone. This is no fun. Nope, no fun at all.

Through this it has been confirmed once again that I am indeed at my best in the very wee hours of the morning. Too bad Perkins doesn't have wifi. At least I don't think they do.

In the last week my blood has reached a boiling point a few times. Quite literally; my hands, arms and cheeks feel really hot as though the blood beneath is truly boiling. I really dislike this feeling (though it is kind of fascinating) thus I have spent a lot of time thinking about what exactly triggers this.

When you take away all the specific details and leave just the skeleton, what is left is the Golden Rule. I have no tolerance for people treating me or others in ways that I would never ever consider treating anyone.

When it's all stripped down it's so simple, right? You would think.

For example, when someone approaches you on the street & asks you for some change, be respectful. Anyone who has come to a place where they need to ask strangers for change in order to survive deserves respect as much as you or me or Barack Obama for that matter. This doesn't mean you have to give them what they want if you are not comfortable or able, it only means that you should acknowledge them and kindly say, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you," or "Sure, here you go," or however you would like to respectfully portray such message. There is no reason to shout "Get a job!" (especially in this economy) or act as though they do not exist. I feel as though these reactions only perpetuate what's going on with this person and class issues as a whole. How would you like to be treated if you were in their situation?

Another example. Racist jokes are not funny. Ever. Even if you have a friend who is of the race you are telling a joke about. This goes for jokes about different creeds and orientations as well. Much like the previous example this only perpetuates stereotypes that are really not positive or helpful in building a strong community of tolerance and understanding


And I could list so many more. But the coffeeshop is about to close & I think I hear the wood starting to give way on this soapbox I've been standing on.

xoxx