I truly think that most people are honest. But something happened last night at our restaurant that makes me wonder how anybody could do this and live with themselves. We have a 5 ft suit of armor outside on the steps of the double door. It could be a second entrance, but we don't use it except to display the knight holding the menu.
A couple in their 50's was walking by, and the woman picked up the knight and started to bolt with it. Our manager saw her and ran outside yelling. She put it down and ran away. Her husband, as he was walking by, said "We have one like it at home." And our manager said, "Then you don't need two."
It would be more understandable -- though still not right -- if it was a bunch of teenage kids thinking they were funny, but as old as they were, what's this world coming to?
If I had a dollar for every time I said "what were they thinking...". Sounds like they were just wraped up in their own "I want" without any thought of consequence.
I have a story to tell from yesterday as well. A friend stopped in to the grocery to get something for lunch before heading into work. When she got to checkout her wallet was missing from the pocket where she had placed it. She searched for an hour all over that store with the help of several employees and it was not to be found. The store was kind enough to let her take her "purchases" at no charge.There were just a few things. That's the nice part of the story.
Anyway, she receives a call from some guy an hour or so later. He found her wallet in the store...and TOOK IT WITH HIM!!. Idiot. Now why did he not turn it in right then? She would have had it before she even got to checkout. So he finds her business cards and calls her. Then he wants her to meet him at his house to pick it up. She made him meet her at a corner store. Then he plays all these games, making her describe the wallet and it's contents...he holds up her ID to compare it to her face. Total control drama. Meanwhile she's like.. Please just give me my wallet so I can go home.... Geesh!
It's like people don't know what the "right thing to do" is anymore.
Never underestimate "The Power of Stupid" in most people.
Lady Renee, theft is inexcusable regardless of age. I'm glad they didn't get away with it. Did they really think they could just sneak away with a 5 ft suit of armor without anyone noticing? It makes me wonder what was going through their heads at the time, other than vacant stupidity? It would "almost" be more understandable if they had said, "we had one like it but it was stolen-we thought this was ours so we wanted to steal it back." I mean, it's not everyday you randomly see a suit of armour out in the mundane world, so like I said, IF that had been the case it would have been more understandable, but still not the right way to handle it.
However, since that wasn't the scenario, you were very generous in not calling the police on these stupid, selfish idiots.
Anna Iram, I'm glad your friend got her wallet back with everything apparently intact, but wow, that story was starting to sound creepy...I'm glad your friend had the common sense to insist on meeting in public, or it may not have turned out so well. Reading more into that situation just gives me the chills...
Honesty has no reward, crime does indeed pay. Was the woman making off with the armor arrested? Did anyone even think of calling the police? Even had she been arrested would there be a penalty? I'm guessing the answer is 'no' to all three.
The other day at the mall I saw a woman with two young children drop a twenty while I was eating in the food court. She had just entered a photo-booth with the kids. I went over, picked it up, and handed it to her when she came out saying "I believe you dropped this". Her response?...she spat "F-you!" and walked off. Yep, it's a fine world we live in. Technically honesty did pay as I was $20 ahead but it would have been far more pleasant for me had I just wondered off without the insult.
Quote from: Noble Dreg on October 05, 2008, 12:31:05 PM
Honesty has no reward, crime does indeed pay. Was the woman making off with the armor arrested? Did anyone even think of calling the police? Even had she been arrested would there be a penalty? I'm guessing the answer is 'no' to all three.
The other day at the mall I saw a woman with two young children drop a twenty while I was eating in the food court. She had just entered a photo-booth with the kids. I went over, picked it up, and handed it to her when she came out saying "I believe you dropped this". Her response?...she spat "F-you!" and walked off. Yep, it's a fine world we live in. Technically honesty did pay as I was $20 ahead but it would have been far more pleasant for me had I just wondered off without the insult.
Wow..just wow!
You were trying to tell this woman she dropped money and she responded like that? I don't get it. ??? I guess she didn't need the money?
Uhh.... I'm being a little slow here...was she a "lady of the evening" and when someone waved money at her, she automatically thought you were trying to score in front of her kids or something...? I can't think of any other reason why she'd react like that. If someone told me I'd dropped money I'd be tripping over myself to thank them.
I've always said, "I'm the most honest person around", pretty good for someone playing pirate at events.
I've found wallets in stores/shopping carts and have always turned them into the store manager without ever looking inside of them - it's none of my business...
I've found money, faire finds like knives and such - I always look around to see if someone might have dropped it. Things like knives I've found at faire, I put out where it can be seen if someone comes looking for it. No one shows up, then it's mine.
I tell the truth, though many people don't want to hear it and would prefer a lie.
I don't necessarily lie, but I may not bring up a subject due to the consequences that might happen - always ask yourself when lying or spreading rumors:
A. Is it the truth?
B. Is it fair to all concerned?
C. Will it build good will and better friendships?
D. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
**Note this info comes from the Rotary International Four-Way Test
Lady Neysa, I didn't actually get that he was being scary, though yes it's never a good idea to go to a strangers house. You never know. He was an "old guy" is how she put it and I think he had just decided he was going to be in charge of the wallet now....make sure it was returned to the right person....or some kind of crazyness. I don't know... :D
Noble Dreg, I'm shaking my head over here. Instant Karma there I'd say. Wish life were always that simple. :)
RhumbaRue, those are good words. Though much like the Ten Commandments easy for me to say, "yeah sure I do that" and then forget I was coveting my neighbors good fortune last week. Ah well.
Hmmm....is it possible that the older woman could be sufferring from alzheimer's? Her husband's comment that "we have one just like it at home" makes it sound like he was trying to explain her behavior away.
Just a thought.
And, Nobel Dreg...wow, just wow.
There are good folk out there, embrace them and ignore the rest.
I have three 'obsessions', R/C Planes, 'G' scale trains, and Ren-Fairs. I can honestly say the most kind and honest folk, as a matter of percentage, are those I know in the Ren community. That is why I like to hang with other Rennies.
Quote from: Noble Dreg on October 05, 2008, 12:31:05 PM
Honesty has no reward, crime does indeed pay. Was the woman making off with the armor arrested? Did anyone even think of calling the police? Even had she been arrested would there be a penalty? I'm guessing the answer is 'no' to all three.
The other day at the mall I saw a woman with two young children drop a twenty while I was eating in the food court. She had just entered a photo-booth with the kids. I went over, picked it up, and handed it to her when she came out saying "I believe you dropped this". Her response?...she spat "F-you!" and walked off. Yep, it's a fine world we live in. Technically honesty did pay as I was $20 ahead but it would have been far more pleasant for me had I just wondered off without the insult.
I feel your pain. About four years ago, my mother (who is a very gentle soul) and I were shopping at a mall. This teenage kid sprints (and I mean makes a HUGE run for it) past us, clutching a purse under his arm. Purse snatcher, right? So, I run after him as mom calls the mall security. We end up in Dillards (that's where I lost him), Mom and security catch up, we explain to the security what he looks like AND that we didn't SEE him take a purse, but we saw very suspicious behavior & they might want to check it out if they can find him. Amidst all of this, a middle-aged woman with a cane and no purse comes creeping up. Mom notices, puts two and two together, asks her if her son was running through here with her purse, she replies 'Yes', Mom= 'Thank God. We thought he might have stolen someone's purse. I'm sorry for any inconvenience." Her reply was: "You f*&*&* bi*@#. I'm dying of cancer. He's trying to get the car for me. You *&$&^& *&^*&." Like we knew that. It was horrible and completely rude. I'd bet she'd have a different reaction if it had indeed been a purse snatching. She continued to curse out my mother (I was so shocked I couldn't react) as she left through the doors. :(
Right Out The Window! >:(
To answer the question "where did honesty go?"
I think someone STOLE it!
it is regrettable... but honour is disappearing from the world.
sometimes I wonder if it's too late to reverse the trend
After reading this thread I feel I must present an opposing argument.
About a year ago I los my wallet in the parking lot of Home Depot. I finally realized it an hour later and immediately retraced my steps but to no avail. I went home and began canceling credit cards. A few hours later there was a knock on my door. It was a fine gentleman who found my wallet and brought it to my home (the address he got from my drivers license). I checked it and all the cash and credit cards were still intact. I tried to give him a reward for his honesty and efforts but he refused to take it. He did say he was a home remodeler and if I ever had any business to send it his way.
So if anyone needs an honest home remodeler, let me know. I can not vouch for his work but he is honest. I'm going to see if he would like to work on my home to fix my Ike "modifications".
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on October 06, 2008, 07:07:47 AM
After reading this thread I feel I must present an opposing argument.
About a year ago I los my wallet in the parking lot of Home Depot. I finally realized it an hour later and immediately retraced my steps but to no avail. I went home and began canceling credit cards. A few hours later there was a knock on my door. It was a fine gentleman who found my wallet and brought it to my home (the address he got from my drivers license). I checked it and all the cash and credit cards were still intact. I tried to give him a reward for his honesty and efforts but he refused to take it. He did say he was a home remodeler and if I ever had any business to send it his way.
So if anyone needs an honest home remodeler, let me know. I can not vouch for his work but he is honest. I'm going to see if he would like to work on my home to fix my Ike "modifications".
It's nice to know there's still some honesty alive and well. What scares me is how we're always so much more suprised by people who do the "Right" or "Honest" thing. I was leaving a Wal-Mart about 2 years ago and there was an elderly gentleman walking through the parking lot ahead of me. He had a substantial amount of cash literally hanging out of his back pocket. A person could have easily taken the whole wad and he'd never have noticed until it was too late. I got his attention and let him know that he should watch that. He was so appreciative, he tried to give me $50! Just for telling him to stick his money back in his pocket! I thanked him, but turned down his offer. I dunno...when I look back on it, it saddens me a bit to think he was that happy to simply
not have been robbed.
Quote from: maelstrom0370 on October 06, 2008, 07:32:41 AM
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on October 06, 2008, 07:07:47 AM
After reading this thread I feel I must present an opposing argument.
About a year ago I los my wallet in the parking lot of Home Depot. I finally realized it an hour later and immediately retraced my steps but to no avail. I went home and began canceling credit cards. A few hours later there was a knock on my door. It was a fine gentleman who found my wallet and brought it to my home (the address he got from my drivers license). I checked it and all the cash and credit cards were still intact. I tried to give him a reward for his honesty and efforts but he refused to take it. He did say he was a home remodeler and if I ever had any business to send it his way.
So if anyone needs an honest home remodeler, let me know. I can not vouch for his work but he is honest. I'm going to see if he would like to work on my home to fix my Ike "modifications".
It's nice to know there's still some honesty alive and well. What scares me is how we're always so much more suprised by people who do the "Right" or "Honest" thing. I was leaving a Wal-Mart about 2 years ago and there was an elderly gentleman walking through the parking lot ahead of me. He had a substantial amount of cash literally hanging out of his back pocket. A person could have easily taken the whole wad and he'd never have noticed until it was too late. I got his attention and let him know that he should watch that. He was so appreciative, he tried to give me $50! Just for telling him to stick his money back in his pocket! I thanked him, but turned down his offer. I dunno...when I look back on it, it saddens me a bit to think he was that happy to simply not have been robbed.
That's wonderful to hear! :) I haven't seen all that many acts of kindness or politeness to random strangers in a long while, and it's a relief to hear it. Reminds us there are still good people (and manners) around. :) (Yourself included. ;) )
Quote from: ADraeger on October 06, 2008, 08:25:42 AM
That's wonderful to hear! :) I haven't seen all that many acts of kindness or politeness to random strangers in a long while, and it's a relief to hear it. Reminds us there are still good people (and manners) around. :) (Yourself included. ;) )
While I appreciate the compliment, at the time I felt I was just doing what one person
should do for another.
Honesty sadly has gone the way of common sense. Neither seems to exist in vast quantities any longer in this world. Too many times there are too many people that feel that everything is owed to them and if it is not given to them, they have the right to take it. Just look at how some people reacted to the help being offered immediately after the storm here in Texas or even looking back to the Katrina evacuees from New Orleans and their attitudes toward the good natured people trying to help them out.
Quote from: maelstrom0370 on October 06, 2008, 09:10:31 AM
Quote from: ADraeger on October 06, 2008, 08:25:42 AM
That's wonderful to hear! :) I haven't seen all that many acts of kindness or politeness to random strangers in a long while, and it's a relief to hear it. Reminds us there are still good people (and manners) around. :) (Yourself included. ;) )
While I appreciate the compliment, at the time I felt I was just doing what one person should do for another.
I agree. We should do things like that for each other.
Dontcha just love our God-given Sense of Entitlement?
Won't give it me? I'll sue for it!
Can't sue for it? I'll take it!
Can't take it? I'll break yours!
I feel a threadjack and/or rant coming on, so I'll just stop there.
A young woman who works with me at faire found $40 and turned it in, inspite of the fact that she needed the money. She always shows great integrity and gives me hope for future generations.
There is no shortage of weird people, certainly, but there are many altruists as well.
What's the defination of integrity? Doing the right thing even when no one is watching. I try very hard to live that way. I do have to try, because there are so many little temptations out there that don't look harmful. Talking yourself out of cutting corners can be very time consuming, and it can lead to just not caring anymore. I think that is what happened to honesty; people just stopped giving a crap.
I had the wierdest thing happen last Christmas, in the walmart parking lot i gathered up about 100$ in cash, & turned it in to the service desk. When the story was retold my DH's family was all over me that I did not keep it....WTH?
I've found cash in a wallet without ID on several occassions. There is the thought that my turning it in only passes it along to someone else who will keep it, but on the chance that the person who lost it might call, I turn it in.
Having someone care enough to return something lost to you and having faith restored in the goodness of your fellows is worth more than a sack of gold. The opportunity given you to do good is truely golden. Pass it along with no regrets. :)
Quote from: maelstrom0370 on October 06, 2008, 10:00:54 AM
Dontcha just love our God-given Sense of Entitlement?
Won't give it me? I'll sue for it!
Can't sue for it? I'll take it!
Can't take it? I'll break yours!
I feel a threadjack and/or rant coming on, so I'll just stop there.
Maelstrom, you are so very right
this is something eroding our society...
entitlement
it destroys social graces because it renders meaningless the kindness and courtesy one bestows...
because people think they're entitled to it
truth be told, here in America you're entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness... but it's just the pursuit.
happiness itself... that's up to each of us to get on our own. we're not entitled to it
when someone does a kind deed for me... it makes me happy. I don't feel I'm entitled to that...
I'm grateful for it.
Quote from: Lady Neysa on October 05, 2008, 11:38:14 AM
Anna Iram, I'm glad your friend got her wallet back with everything apparently intact, but wow, that story was starting to sound creepy...I'm glad your friend had the common sense to insist on meeting in public, or it may not have turned out so well. Reading more into that situation just gives me the chills...
Make sure she changes all her credit cards. He has all he needs for ID theft.
Quote from: nliedel on October 30, 2008, 06:39:33 AM
Make sure she changes all her credit cards. He has all he needs for ID theft.
And here I thought I was the only paranoid person in the room reading this thread. If I drop cash I always automatically assume somebody has taken it and run off with it. A wallet I'd have far greater concern, but if anybody found it I'd immediately change all my info. :( I've had my identity solen once already.
Must have been 12 or 13 years ago, I'm at the grocery store right next to my work. It was one of those places with a mini back inside. As I'm heading out I see somehting down at the base of the back counter. Turns out it was a bundle of over $600 in twenties. At that time I was poor, living out of the back of my truck, and trying to save enough money for a deposit on an apartment. That money could have really saved me some headaches.
I tell the teller at the bank that I found it, and hand it over. The lady takes my name, and what contact information I had (a work #), and tells me that if nobody comes looking for in in the next week, that they'll give me a call. While I'm talking to the teller, a man walks up behind me, and starts looking over my shoulder. As soon as he hears that I found money, he drops to all fours, and looks around the area. He stands up yelling something along the lines of 'all right', and waving a couple more bills, walks out the door.
I never did hear anything back from the bank.
Hoowil, I hope you don't look back and regret what you did. Yes, it's possible the man behind you managed to get his claws on that money, but it's just as likely the person that actually lost it called and it was returned. Perhaps it was someone who needed it even more than you. You know? I think you did good. :) Don't let em turn you to the dark side.
I'm sorry I gave you all the heeby geebies with my story of my friends wallet! I really don't think he was up to no good. More like trying so hard to be good it went kinda weirdly bad. I think....
Quote from: Anna Iram on October 31, 2008, 09:28:03 AM
Don't let em turn you to the dark side.
Come to the Dark Side.
We have cookies.
Your not so dark PD. Can't scare me! ;D