Lately, I have witnessed myself and received several notes from readers/residents who feel that common courtesy has gone out the window in our community.
During the past few months, in attempts to lose some weight and get my diabetes under control, I have started a daily walking regiment. My route typically is around our office in Ladner, so Memorial Park, along Arthur Drive, around Delta Secondary and into Ladner Village, have all been on my walking routes.
Unfortunately, these walks have not been without some peril.
At least once a week, I have almost been mowed down by a driver who is not paying attention to the fact that I’m in a marked crosswalk attempting to cross the street.
Oh, they see me…at the last minute…give me the so sorry look and a polite wave and we both continued on our way, but I bet they wouldn’t be so ‘polite’ if I ended up crashing through their windshield!
Last week, I noted a post in Ladner’s Landing where someone was waiting for a senior resident to cross the street and was being mercilessly harassed by the impatient drivers behind her. Again, where is the common sense? Where is the courtesy?
Over the weekend, another post in the Landing called out residents for not picking up after their dog – again – no courtesy for others.
And on Sunday night, a reader sent in a note asking whether I could point out the nasty people who de-shed their shedding dogs in public parks and leave all the unsanitary and allergy-causing and littering mess behind. This is utterly thoughtless and selfish. Dogs are the owner’s responsibility to maintain, and their dog’s care should happen on their own property, and not in a public park. Again…courtesy lost on someone.
All these instances show that we all can do better. We all live, work, and play in this community. We all can be far more courteous and respectful towards each other.
