3rd March 2012
Dear Cassi,
Among the many writings of Gorge Washington there is
a list of rules for civil conduct that has taken my interest. It is because I
have accepted so much rudeness in my life that I labor to commit to memory
these ideas.
The first rule of civil conduct is: “Every Action done in Company, ought to
be with Some Sign of Respect, to those that are Present.” Capitalization
and grammar as I found the words.
Yes, I
find Washington’s first rule to be rather hard to understand. Let us think of
it this way. If one were to excuse themselves to use the restroom then to do so
politely would show respect to those present. When a man learns he needs to zip
his pants he turns away not so that others will not see for they have already
but out of respect.
When
speaking in a group we do not talk over each other but permit each member to
speak without interruption. When a new member joins the group we do not speak
as if they never arrived but greet that person and fill them in on the
conversation so that they may be a part.
I will
note that as a man charged with looking after the young homeless population of
Los Angeles I should set an example. Likewise, as a man who would like one day
to have children I should set an example, and as a man of any decency what so
ever I should hold myself to this idea.
May you
find the civility I emulate
Richard
Leland Neal
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