Law and Order


There is a reason why laws are made and above that, a code of conduct is established. This code of conduct is what is acceptable in our neck of the woods but not always accepted outside of our immediate area.
There are many and varied area codes of conduct which works well across all borders, and we know them all. So when we violate any of these codes we know immediately, and when we repeatedly violate a code in public then there should be some kind of penalty.

Just in case you think I lost it, I will tell you what triggered a code breaking outburst, and that I was the cause of it, and that I do not know the name of this particular code breaker (happy that I do not), and that the whole crowd handled this matter in an admirably and sophisticated way.

Loud talking that requires others to stop and look is never acceptable behavior, unless it's part of a presentation. So although you may not know that you are behaving badly(unlikely), when the whole gathering pauses and look your way you should figure it out. And if you continue this bad behavior throughout the blessing of the group's meal then you should be punished in some way.

OK so I went to this Oldie's Party put on by the Portland Returning Residents Association, a monthly event recently instituted. Just when they were ready to request the customary blessings on the meal, I was walking back to my seat when a gentleman called me over. He pointed to another man sitting beside him and said that this person wanted to buy a book from me. (Yes you should read my book “Mr Cap and the Science Man.”) The second man immediately got upset and began to berate the first man (no names) in such loud tones that the whole group could hear him speak.
I didn't want it to appear as if this man and I had a disagreement, so I quickly headed to my seat and stopped focusing on what he was saying.

But then he continued to address the pleasant man who tried to help me sell a book (thanks), in very loud tones.
Now you would think that anyone from any nationality would give some reverence to a group that is about to bless their meal. Why shouldn't you? Even if you are going to kill these people, you should at least let them get some uninterrupted time with their maker. Well this upset person kept talking loudly even through the prayers.

I am bothered by exhibitions of poor behavior in this manner, only because I can't see any good reason for behaving that way. This fellow was belligerent and appeared that a verbal fight (win or loose) was what he wanted.
I cannot say if the whole group decided at the moment or if it were discussed before, but everyone ignored this loud talking man and no one even bothered to tell him to shut up.
I believe that was a sophisticated way of handling this incident so kudos to the Returning Residents Association of Portland. We do need more actions like these.
                                             George Bankus                        Page 1 of 2