As the junior staff writer here at The Daily Reporter, I enjoy interacting with my readers. This blog will allow me to do that. Whether voicing my opinion and looking for response or asking readers to weigh in on a specific topic I am writing about, I look forward to getting to know my readers and what they think.

Common sense, common courtesy

Posted Saturday, March 26, 2011, at 12:14 PM

The final Eggs and Issues session was this morning. It was a great finale with four legislators and a bonus guest, Auditor David Vaudt, in attendance. About 50 people showed up to ask questions and listen to responses. Some of the questions were good, some of the questions were rambling, and the same could be said of some of the responses. Overall, it was a good time had by all.

However, I can't get over the fact that the meeting was hijacked at times. It wasn't hijacked by one person or one topic per se. No, it was hijacked by technology and a few individuals' apparent inability to control that technology.

I'm not talking about the camera crew or even the microphones (which seem to constantly have bugs worked out of them during each meeting.) The professionals at the event did a top-notch job as always. Nah, I'm talking about cell phones.

I wish I would have counted how many times I heard a ring for the purpose of this blog. It was definitely in the double digits and I'm guessing others would vouch for that assessment. When the phones went off, some patted their pockets or purses frantically to see if it was their phone so they could address the issue. Yes, it's annoying, but it's not the end of the world.

What goes beyond annoying to flat out disrespectful is when the same ring tones belonging to the same few phones went off more than once.

Seriously, this is the 21st Century and you can't find the Off, Mute, Vibrate (take your pick) button on your phone? That's what I wanted to ask, but I refrained from becoming an even bigger distraction. Though, maybe if someone had said something the first time, it wouldn't have been a constant disruption.

But, everyone in that room was an adult. They shouldn't have to be told to silence their phones. It's common sense and, more importantly, common courtesy.

Our legislators took the time to visit with us and yet people couldn't have the decency to shut off or mute their phones for an hour and a half.

That's not that long and the world is not going to stop spinning if you can't hear your phone ringing for that span.

Let this rant be a reminder to be mindful of others, especially when they've taken time out of their day to give you the time of day.