Makes Sense To Me

My buddy Clark Brooks posted this over the weekend*:

*sigh*

It boggles the mind there are those out there who would complain about such a thing.

It's a free meal. 

It's not something where a provider asked your opinion about what kind of meal you'd like. It's not a situation where the offerer went out of their way to ask about any dietary restrictions you might have. Or whether there's an option of a fruit substitution instead of fries. Or any other iteration.

It's simply a free meal, people. Nothing more. 

You have the option to partake of it or not. After all, it's free. Meaning it's free for you to indulge in it just as well as it's free for you to kindly refuse, thank you very much. 

That's it. Period. 

Whether it's upscale, finger sandwiches, chicken livers, tofu peanut butter and jelly on crackers, the bestower is offering it to you gratis. The proper thing to do is return a simple "thank you" for the gesture.

Of course if you want to be an ass, you can complain about the type of meal provided. But it's more appropriate to keep your piehole shut and accept what's offered graciously.

Understand, this isn't a case of political correctness. That's an entirely different animal. It's about common sense, social graces and appreciation. Two things a surprising (or not) number of folks are clueless on how to exhibit during the course of an otherwise average day. 

So why am I commenting on this and making a thing of it?

Well, whether or not it makes sense, I thought about Clark's post and rant above while watching CBS Sunday Morning this morning, specifically when the below video came on. Watching it, it came to mind the contrast of those who would choose to demean a free meal and this boy's actions made me think a goodly number of people could learn from the kid.

Yeah, I know: I may not be talking apples to apples here. And some of you might scratch your head and think I'm off the rails.

But it makes perfect sense to me.

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.......... Ruprecht ( STOP )
*Clark's full and unaltered post may be seen on his FB page. I gratuitously altered it to make my point.
 

Parental Appreciation

I don't know what I liked better on CBS Sunday Morning this past Sunday: 

That Charles Osgood announced an upcoming piece by Ben Stein (*Woot!*)... or the anticipation of the often funny smirk Stein ends his commentary with when all is said and done.

Regardless, there is always what he has to say sandwiched right in the middle of the two. And Sunday's appreciation hit home in more ways than one.

I didn't get the opportunity with my mother to thank her before she passed, but I was able to with my father. Funny how being a parent puts everything in perspective and, funnier still, how Stein can bring that out with his wise words ...

.......... Ruprecht ( STOP )