"It's Good To Be Back in Huron County"
By Capt. Fred Davis
Published: Saturday, May 27, 2017

It’s Memorial Day weekend – the first holiday of summer — and everyone is eager to shrug off the winter doldrums and bring on some fun.

Many people have traveled long distances to visit family, check out their summer digs or just enjoy new experiences. I sincerely hope their trips were better than many of mine. I have been writing about various types of travel lately and its hazards, because I’ve encountered some. My opinion of them is not unlike those reported by others almost daily.

As I see it, many of the incidents I viewed on TV or read about in print were hard to believe, such as the recent airline events. After I witnessed some of the passengers close up and personally, I began to understand. In defense of the airlines, I was wondering why some of the rude, loud-mouthed, shoving, swearing people were even allowed to board. They all seemed to think they were the only ones that mattered and were oblivious to those around them. They wore torn jeans, sandals and reeked of smoke and booze. I know this because I got shoved along by them once I boarded my plane. Any respect for elders and limpers was sadly lacking.

Respect. I often refer to it, hoping someone will remember its meaning. It is the result of a good upbringing in which you are taught to display courtesy and regard for others. Sadly, all aspects of the word seems to have faded away.

If you happen to travel on mass transit, street car, metro rail or bus you may also have encountered the “me only” mentality. People traveling via these methods are rarely inclined to be courteous — not giving a seat up for an elderly person struggling to stand. Young mothers holding infants are not even able to get a seat. Don’t drop one of your packages because no one is going to pick it up for you. Sound familiar? Yep, it’s a different world we live in today.

In the past, it was not unusual to always receive acts of kindness and courtesy. At stores, as people opened doors, in public transit situations where you would receive a seat if your needs were greater, even in traffic on a busy road. Just letting a driver pass or turn can be an act of courtesy appreciated by a fellow driver. As accident statistics continue to climb, it’s easy to determine how lack of courtesy contributes to many of them.

I will say, it’s good to be home in Huron County where “everyone knows your name” or many do and you can receive a hearty “Hello” or “How you doing?”

Rural areas do seem to fare better because we do know one another and therefore are able to show regard for each other. Venture out today and be aware of how you are treated as you encounter others. I bet you get a door opened and a hearty “Hi there, how have you been?”

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