15 Comments
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Ken Berliner's avatar

When my kids face a decision that affects other people, much like in your story, I've been telling them, "Be the person you want other people to be." I'm hoping they can be part of a more civil and kind society in the future. What they lose by being less cut-throat and competitive, is more than made up by their gain in self love - knowing that they are a good person.

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Michael Charles's avatar

This is resonate of Adam Grant's Givers and Takers -- having a disposition to give and be generous can have unintended positive consequences if you believe enough people are generally "good."

Also, I hope you were still able to find a solution for the dinner and your guests!

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David Roberts's avatar

Thans "Mr. Charles"

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DANIEL ROBERTS's avatar

Wait: that was YOU who almost booked Mexico at Epcot? Dammit, Roberts. (BTW according to Dad it's :"And you thought I'd do what?") Your posts are becoming the stuff of bio-lit. i love them and you. i will speak with you separately about a book deal. will make you an offer that you can't......

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Erin E.'s avatar

Uh oh family drama! This is getting messy.

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David Roberts's avatar

I think it has been "do" in most tellings but when i checked today with my Dad he insisted it was "say."

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Jen's avatar

Only brothers should patrol accuracy, but … I’ve heard “do” too. :) The story has filtered extended branches. David, keep them coming! I love these stories. Misdemeanors welcome too.

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David Roberts's avatar

Just spoke to my father and he has now confirmed "do"

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Erin E.'s avatar

Through various interactions with online friends from this particular demographic, I have come to the conclusion that I’m a 38 year old Irish American woman with the soul of a Jewish man in his late 60s. I loved this whole post and especially the origin story of your family sigil.

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David Roberts's avatar

Did you ever see the movie or play "Prelude to a Kiss?"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prelude_to_a_Kiss_(film)

Your very funny comment reminded me of it.

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Erin E.'s avatar

You know I bet I did as a kid but I don't remember it. I'll definitely watch it, as 90s romcoms are my jam.

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Josh Blumenthal's avatar

I so dislike the term "elite," quite because of stories like yours. In my mind elite cannot be applied to people who don't care about others. They may have money, but elite they are not.

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David Roberts's avatar

I wrote “the elite, by which I mean the wealthy, the powerful, and the influential."

I do think good fortune ought to come with higher moral expectations

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Josh Blumenthal's avatar

I wasnt arguing what you wrote, and I noticed your explanation as I first read it. I have developed a reaction, involuntary perhaps, to the word elite. It is not just that it has been so over used as to be meaningless, but that it mostly is used to describe people with wealth and influence with no regard for character or behavior which, to my mind, renders many such people ordinary. They may have exceptional wealth and influence, but elite suggests quality rarely seen. Hence, elite.

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David Roberts's avatar

I agree. if only "elite" were defined by behavior!

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