This is Controversial

Some of you are not going to agree with me...however, it needs saying - people are nice! Over the past few months I have twice travelled to North Carolina. Walking with a can, carrying my baggage, gimping as I do - people, complete strangers have gone out of their way to be kind. Two gentlemen asked if they could carry my bags to my gate. One nice lady moved all the arm rests so I could slide from my window seat out to the aisle. The flight attendant took my bag, checked it for me (for free) so I would not have to worry about it. See, people are nice. On the plane here yesterday, there were three young men sitting behind me. All of them were reservist(spelled incorrectly no doubt). They were on their way for special training. It was water training in NC, in preparation for deployment to Iraq. Why they needed water training for deployment in Iraq, well that I can't figure out - They were so proud of what they were doing - I was proud just listening to them. Their parents should be proud. Such nice young men.
On one leg of my flight I had the window seat, a family was separated, so I gave up my window seat for a middle seat - I'm nice too - the flight attendant thought I was so nice she gave me a $4.50 can of Pringles for free! That was nice. Too often we remember the wrongs and the meanies - then we forget the kindness. I like those commercials, you know where the lady stops the ball and the guy driving buy sees that then he helps a lady with a stroller, and someone else sees that and they open a door - I like the idea that one act of kindness becomes a force rippling across this sea of humanity. It is a nice notion, and I believe it is a reality. It is a reality because people are nice - and it's OK to be nice. It doesn't mean you are weak or sappy, or you let people walk over you; it means you recognize the precious gift of kindness; Kindness is a gift you give yourself - and for a gimpy traveller, it is a gift I shall cherish. Alright people - let's be nice! We can do it and it won't cost us anything. Kindness is spreading, we could all use some kindness during these tough times - who knows where your single act of kindness might end up. It could start in Cali and end up in Charlotte, and maybe move on to Iraq - where some brave young man or woman is standing watch - think of that - think of your kindness reaching all of those brave young men and women who are standing watch, in a desert, in the dark, in the heat - away from their families; if that does not inspire you to kindness nothing will. Then I will have to find you and give you a swift kick in the backside; it is free for goodness sakes - People are kind, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!