If you brought up the topic of courtesy many of us would say what the hell is that? Many would say that because they do not see much of the art of courtesy these days, or they would not recognize it when it happens. Others may simply not know what courtesy is if they even see it shown.
Courtesy is the showing of politeness in one’s attitude, actions and behaviour towards others. Seen this in your daily experiences on the road, at work, in the grocery store or in its parking lot? Have people around you waited until you stop talking before giving their 2%? Have you or someone else opened a door for another? Was it expected or did it surprise you at all?
In the past, what many call the good old days, things like courtly love and courtship exemplified social courtesy. The honour of a knightly-minded person was graceful yet protective of the innocent and ladies about them. There were rules to stand by at that time, where society and religion placed notable social regulations upon men and women alike. In China, many people have three names, the family name, the given name and the courtesy name. The courtesy name shines forth that person’s virtues.
Courtesy is truly difficult to recognize these days as we struggle to work to earn our daily bread and go to the market, and retail environments all with a mass of people challenging our patience, charity and respect for others. The roadway is often a mental health torture chamber, and shopping can be awkward, troublesome tiring, and perhaps torturous as well. Being a nice person is totally difficult when those around you don’t have the ability to see how they may be acting, perhaps saying things that are hurtful and unkind. You may sit in your seat and feel your temperature rising as your anger prepares to get the better of you.
In the past courtesy was shown personally and even nationally. There is a human element within the actions of a courteous person that attracts a positive reaction from another. You let someone drive ahead of you or hold the door for them, perhaps engage them in conversation as well. A Smile Goes a Long Way. It is as contagious as acts of courtesy are.
In Rome, a total stranger helped me when I lost my wallet. I found myself helping others in return, but also it felt good to do so. Being Kind, Respectful and Courteous is Contagiously Addictive. A Good Addiction.
Hazrat Ali ibn Abu Talib is said to have said “Courtesy costs nothing but buys everything”. He was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammed and a wise fellow. Of all our actions, thoughts and aspirations, to be truly courteous is a grand affair and aspiration, that can lead to another great emotional experience, that of love. Ask yourself why you are or wish to be courteous. Being a good person is simply the best type of person you can aspire to folks.
Thomas Fuller said “All doors open to courtesy”. Perhaps we all need to think, act and revere the very thought of courtesy within our lives. Cheers.
EDMONTON – RCMP say a second suspect has been arrested in the killing of an Alberta county worker.
Mounties say 28-year-old Elijah Strawberry was taken into custody Friday at a house on O’Chiese First Nation.
Colin Hough, a worker with Rocky View County, was shot and killed while on the job on a rural road east of Calgary on Aug. 6.
Another man who worked for Fortis Alberta was shot and wounded, and RCMP said the suspects fled in a Rocky View County work truck.
Police later arrested Arthur Wayne Penner, 35, and charged him with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and a warrant was issued for Strawberry’s arrest.
RCMP also said there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Strawberry, describing him as armed and dangerous.
Chief Supt. Roberta McKale, told a news conference in Edmonton that officers had received tips and information over the last few weeks.
“I don’t know of many members that when were stopped, fuelling up our vehicles, we weren’t keeping an eye out, looking for him,” she said.
But officers had been investigating other cases when they found Strawberry.
“Our investigators were in O’Chiese First Nation at a residence on another matter and the major crimes unit was there working another file and ended up locating him hiding in the residence,” McKale said.
While an investigation is still underway, RCMP say they’re confident both suspects in the case are in police custody.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
RICHMOND, B.C. – The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says the 26-year-old son of a man found dead on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast has been charged with his murder.
Police say 58-year-old Henry Doyle was found badly injured on a forest service road in Egmont last September and died of his injuries.
The homicide team took over when the BC Coroners Service said the man’s death was suspicious.
It says in a statement that the BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of first-degree murder against the man’s son, Jackson Doyle.
Police say the accused will remain in custody until at least his next court appearance.
The homicide team says investigators remained committed to solving the case with the help of the community of Egmont, the RCMP on the Sunshine Coast and in Richmond, and the Vancouver Police Department.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
VANCOUVER – Mediated talks between the union representing HandyDART workers in Metro Vancouver and its employer, Transdev, have broken off without an agreement following 15 hours of talks.
Joe McCann, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724, says they stayed at the bargaining table with help from a mediator until 2 a.m. Friday and made “some progress.”
However, he says the union negotiators didn’t get an offer that they could recommend to the membership.
McCann says that in some ways they are close to an agreement, but in other areas they are “miles apart.”
About 600 employees of the door-to-door transit service for people who can’t navigate the conventional transit system have been on strike since last week, pausing service for all but essential medical trips.
McCann asks HandyDART users to be “patient,” since they are trying to get not only a fair contract for workers but also a better service for customers.
He says it’s unclear when the talks will resume, but he hopes next week at the latest.
The employer, Transdev, didn’t reply to an interview request before publication.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
