A little courtesy appears to be too much to ask

As we celebrate MLK Day and ponder a message of peace and tolerance, it begs a look at what we have become as a society.

It's not a pretty look, either. If you are reading this, it's probably not about you. But you probably know people like this.

I don't know if I simply hadn't noticed these things before, or if people really have changed. I am leaning the latter.

And I think it's a shame. When did we get so selfish, so me oriented in our everyday lives? Whatever happened to common courtesy?

I'm talking to you, person behind me in the car who speeds up when they see me signal a lane change so they can cut me off.

And you, person speeding through a crowded parking lot while texting.

And of, you, really large overperfumed lady who insists on getting on the elevator before I get off.

Not to mention the person who won't hold the elevator door for you.

Or the one who lets a door slam in your face even when they know you are behind them.

When did it get to the point where we became so intolerant of other's beliefs, especially in our political process. Why is it if you say you are a Republican, you are branded a reactionary right-wing Fascist? If you are a Democrat, you are a "liberal" who is trying to ruin the country.

In truth, both sides get a lot right and a lot wrong. But there seems to be no middle ground anymore.

We live in a world where Internet trolls rip people at will with no repercussions. Where if you disagree or try to have a discussion you simply branded an idiot and ignored.

It's a damned shame.

I might be in the minority, but I still believe there are more good people in the world than bad. I still believe that not everyone is like that. But if you are one of those people, and you did take the time to read this, please take a second every now and then to think about how small actions can add up. That a little courtesy can go a long way. That it's OK to be nice to people on occasion. To realize that we actually share this planet with others.

None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. Hopefully we learn from them.

So the next time you get on your cell phone and put it on speaker in public, or carry on a conversation in a movie or assembly where the other people are trying to watch and listen, or cut in front of someone in line...Try a little courtesy instead.

It's really not so hard.