We’re better than that

Dear Editor:

As we begin to think about the upcoming celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, can we please remember the basic meaning at each of their cores: to give thanks and be kind to each other?

We used to teach our children basic manners such as using the words “thank you,” “you’re welcome” and “please.” As adults, we don’t use those words anymore unless we are using them in anger and sarcasm. We used to hold doors open for women, children and our elders. We used to wait our turn quietly and patiently, and give up a seat to a woman or elderly person.

When did we decide that it was acceptable to interrupt someone, or to curse and throw a fit if we didn’t get everything exactly our way? When did it become an option to opt out of basic rules such as crossing the street at the corner (after looking for cars), using the turn signals, or stopping at all stop signs and not just the ones that you choose to?

We are about to welcome tourists from all over the world to our valley. Let’s show them that we go beyond the showy cultural venues of galleries, exclusive restaurants, and couture boutiques and show them that we actually have some class.

Lynn Martin

Glenwood Springs