Log in

OPINION

Safin: It’s ‘united we stand’ when it comes to helping others

Posted

Let me start with a story that happened last July.

I stopped for gas and a cup of coffee one morning. A customer at the counter, someone who works in construction based on his attire, had his supply of breakfast and lunch items. He told the cashier he was short on money as he tried to figure out what to remove from his order.

I and the two people behind him stepped up to cover the difference. You’ve heard stories like this and might have done the same yourself for a stranger.

What’s missing from this story?

We didn’t ask his political party. We wanted to help a person in need. The election is over. It’s time for the country’s leadership and population to follow my example to become one nation again.

Like it says on our currency: E Pluribus Unum — “out of many, one.” It’s the motto of the U.S., the “great melting pot.” Is that even talked about or taught in this day and age?

I’ve tried to follow the “Platinum Rule” throughout my life. “Do unto others as they would do unto themselves.”

I’ll admit there have been several times that my “do-good” attitude has come back to bite me. Will I change? Probably not because it would change my fundamental conduct with other people in the world.

You never know when someone might truly need a random act of kindness. Did I learn from getting bitten? Yes, but it’s wrong to believe everybody will react with the same bad grace.

Look at yourself, the people in your life, and everyone else in our community. It’s good people like all of us that are normal not the dismal view national news and social media want us to believe.

The country and world are far from perfect. Even the definition of “perfect” is different for each of us.

The important part is finding enough qualities in common to use as a mutually beneficial foundation. It’s our differences where we learn and make life more exciting in a good way.

Editor’s note: John Safin is outgoing president and CEO of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.