Monday, April 12, 2010

Thieving Bastards!

Dear Editor,

As the swarm of old school cars filled South Congress I felt at ease. They were reminiscent of a time of safety, good fun and morals. The soda shop on upper South Congress reinforced these memories. I didn't grow up in the 1950's but my mother and father did; they told me stories of good, clean fun. There was a faith in humanity. Two people would get into a fight and the worst that could happen was some punches were thrown. Sure I get part of this from the media, like I said, I never lived it, but people didn't pull out a gun and shoot you because you were going too slowly on the highway. Maybe there was, but it didn't seem as prevalent. With the masses that piled South Congress my beliefs were more solidified; families, young adults, the elderly all joined together to watch good music and see some fancy cars.

Riding on my high, we went to Magnolia Cafe for dinner. In my sleepiness I left my sunglasses on the table. I called the cafe the following morning and sure enough they were there. (They are very distinct.) Again, I felt this sigh of relief, see people do care about others! When I finally made it up there the night manager said, "Well they may have been here but they went missing..." My faith in humanity was crumbling quickly. He promised to call the woman I talked to on the phone that morning. By the evening I hadn't received a call back. I followed up, still nothing. In the morning I called the manager and he said to me, "A worker or customer may have taken them." He says this nonchalantly, "taken them", oh you mean STOLE them. When did morals become so fluid? When did stealing become taking, and a fist punch become a gun shot? When was the last time you stopped to help out a stranger? What disturbs me even more is the manager's lack of compassion. If one of his workers is taking someone else's property, what else are they taking? I told him he should have a talk with them about taking items that aren't theirs; he didn't seem to think it was necessary.

Times aren't like they used to be and people may not be as willing to help each other out. As I may never see my sunglasses again, or maybe I will on e-bay, I am thankful to Austin for this past weekend's events. The car show made me all warm and fuzzy inside. It reminded of a time when it wasn't every man for himself.

Sincerely,

Cupcake G

(1st time visitor to Austin)