Scariest part about Nazis

I'm currently reading the book, The Nazis: A Warning from History, by Laurence Rees. It is a fascinating study on the rise of Hitler and some of the psychology behind it. The interesting part that is frequently glossed over in discussions of the rise of the Nazi Party and the resulting Holocaust is the fact that Adolf Hitler and his party came to power in a democracy. They were elected into office.

This book examines many of the frequent excuses and rationalizations that are used by historians to explain how this could happen. He looks at the oft used, "Germans are known for their efficiency and the Nazis provided that." and the other "They were following orders." He uses interviews with people who were in the government and who lived through the Nazis' rise to power to debunk most of these rationalizations.

What Mr. Rees eventually comes down to is a combination of pride and fear. Why do I discuss this here? Well, think back seven years and think about how we felt on that Tuesday in September. We were very afraid.....I know I was! We also had our pride demolished. Into that void rode "W". He provided us with quick answers and quick responses. We attacked Afghanistan because we needed to hurt somebody right away. We passed the Patriot Act because we needed to protect ourselves against "them".

I happen to agree with both these actions, even in retrospect, but we need to keep these emotions in mind as we move forward. We are in an election year, terrorism is not gone, and there will be much talk about who can better protect us from "bad guys." Take the time to study, to think, to reflect. Don't go for the easy answer, because there isn't one. Don't give up everything just to feel safe. As my boss frequently says, "If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't." Don't vote for someone who doesn't feel right. Think for yourselves.

Thoughts anyone?

Visit the WWII Shop at HistoryChannel.com

Do you work here?

Almost every business in the United States tells you that it is their goal to provide "superior customer service". I can tell you, that is very difficult. It is difficult not only because it is tough to find employees who are motivated to give excellent customer service, especially at the salaries retail feels are acceptable (but that is another posting), but it is also difficult because of the customer.

As a customer, I try to be aware of the level of service I get in places that I patronize. I also try to be aware of how I am behaving towards the people who are providing this service. It should be no surprise that the nicer I am, the nicer the associate is going to be. It is also important to note, that there are other factors involved.

One is, be aware of who you are talking to. If you find someone who is cleaning the store, stocking items on a shelf, pulling product around the store, or otherwise performing a function of the store, don't start your conversation with, "Do you work here?" Clearly they do and they are working at the time you approached them. You've now identified yourself as a needy person who is going to ask them a dumb question. You've irritated them and won't get as good a response as the person who interrupts them by saying something like, "I'm sorry to interrupt you, but I need some help with...." You've acknowledged that they are clearly working and let them know you need them for something. That is their job, they are paid to help you and most will do it gladly.

Second, don't play let's make a deal. Unless you are at a bazaar in some foreign country where bartering is a way of life, most businesses in the US price their items at the price they expect to get. If there is damage or something wrong with the product, look for another, or ask if there may be an undamaged one available somewhere. Let the retailer offer a discount if there is no other option. Asking for money off automatically puts the associate on the defensive. Imagine how you would feel if someone asked you to perform your service or sell your product for less than you intended. Wouldn't you be instantly resentful? Wouldn't you want the option to offer a discount if there was no other way to satisfy the customer rather than having them start by asking for one?

Lastly, wait your turn. A customer who interrupts when an associate is helping others is going to identify themselves as someone who is rude and pushy. They will again raise a red flag, no matter how patient the associate is. Think of how much you enjoy being interrupted when someone is helping you with a problem.

Customer service, believe it or not, is a two-way street. You need to help yourself receive good customer service. Try it and see what happens. Post here and let me know how you make out.

Thoughts anyone?

Pedestrian courtesy

While returning from an ambulance call the other day, my fellow EMT and I were discussing the prevalent "Yield for Pedestrians in Crosswalk". My partner commented on how far society has fallen that we have to print something as basic as Please Don't Run People Over With Your Car on signs and put them in the middle of the street.

From there we progressed to discussing how the whole concept of crossing the street has turned into a war. There are pedestrians that will step into the crosswalk and expect traffic to stop instantaneously, thereby risking an accident. I had the experience of a pedestrian who held up her hand as if she was a traffic cop, as she boldly walked across the street in front of me. Since I was turning right into a driveway (which I was clearly signalling with my blinker) before getting to her crosswalk, I didn't slow down. This made her start angrily pointing at the crosswalk and glaring as she stepped further into my lane of traffic as if daring me to hit her. How smart is that (especially from a retired school teacher....I recognized her)?

Once again it comes down to basic morality. I was raised to respect others, and certainly "do not commit murder" is up there with respect. I therefore, would never consider not stopping for someone who is in front of, or about to be, my car in a crosswalk. I will always stop as I would expect most people to. As a pedestrian, I would wait for a break in traffic and then step into the crosswalk. Once in the crosswalk, I would expect traffic to stop for me either out of courtesy or at least out of respect for the law. This is all common sense people. Why has this become grounds for anger and debate? Why do we need dayglo signs to remind us of this basic courtesy?

Thoughts anyone?