Torch Voices

Dear Josh Crowton,

I want to personally thank you for your 10-13-2010 editorial in regards to rudeness. I am an educator in the public schools system. I am always encouraging my students to choose manners and politeness each day of their lives. How we treat others is indeed a choice we make; it’s neither a law nor a requirement. The simple, little things we do to show kindness to others is really so very important.

Our world, sadly, has become much too impersonal; people forget to say “hello” or “hi” to one another. We are too hesitant to strike up a conversation with someone we don’t know. Our cell phones have become more important than one-on-one conversation. However, we can change by modeling good communication skills and good manners to our youth. Maybe, just maybe, manners and politeness will return to the masses! Let’s hope! Thank you.

Lloyd David Ball