A Public Letter

Dear Sir,

I know that you do not know who I am and for that matter I am not naive enough to think that you might actually read this.  To let you know who I am, I was the fellow behind you in line entering the parking deck on Wilmington St. downtown Raleigh this past Saturday.  

As I understand from the parking attendant, you were angry because your usual parking spot on the street was occupied and thought you should be able to park in the deck without paying the posted charge.  When you figured out that you would not be able to park there you proceeded to back up without looking back or heeding the shouts of the attendant.  I was in the car you bumped.  

I sat there sir, waiting for you to exit your vehicle.  You did not.  After you pulled forward, I sat there and waited for you to exit your vehicle to express any sort of concern or remorse for bumping into me.  You did not.  After the attendant told me that there was no damage, I waited for you to exit your vehicle.  You did not.  When I got out to inspect for possible damage I thought at this point you may actually get out of your car and have a short civil, but apologetic conversation with me.  You did not.

Instead you continued to sit there while the car behind me and I backed into oncoming traffic to allow you to exit the parking deck.  When you exited the parking deck area you did not wave or offer any sort of gesture to show any sort of remorse.

I have a hope for you sir.  That you are not, or in the future, charged with rearing any male children.  What you displayed was a complete lack of understanding of what it is to be a man.  A true man recognizes when he makes a mistake and takes ownership of it.  He takes responsibility for his actions and accepts the consequences.  He acts in a way as to demonstrate that he is able to lead and provide an example of high standards and accountability to those around him, and especially any male offspring.

I feel true sorrow for any of your male offspring that have you as an example.  They are being taught to cower and shrink from confrontation.  If they wrong someone, they have no frame of reference to use to resolve their conflicts.  Your progeny sir, will be weak and powerless just like you.

I will pray for you sir.  That you see that you need to step up and present the proper example to your male children, or at least to society at large.  We are counting on you sir to continue to lead in your own way the cause of responsible living and accountability for one's own actions that are so sadly lacking in our society today.

Sincerely,

David