NationStates Jolt Archive

I like how people around my city are putting up insprirational signs on telephone poles all over the city. Big bright white signs written with dark colors asking us to love each other. Have patience. Be thoughtful and many more great ones. People wonder how they get the signs up so high on the telephone poles as well. Especially the ones way off the side of the road.

I was taking a bus east to school and I forgot to get a transfer when I came into the station and when I got into the bus, I begged the driver for a transfer, but he was being anal and flatout refused, even though the only way I could have even got on the first place was to have paid my fair in the station. So, then three people sitting at the front of the bus started to stand up for me. An elderly woman was very vocal and didn't hold back and told the driver exactly what she thought. The man next to her tried to give me an extra ticket he had and someone next to him was also helpful. Needless to say, I did get the transfer I needed, but only because someone was nice enough to give me their's.

I offered to shoot Michelle McManus if someone bought me the gun and bullets. Noone took me up on the offer.

What you perceive as random kindness is nothing more than a personal investment. Those people hope to get something out of it. Maybe Karma, perhaps, or the right to be known as "good people," or some shadier agenda they may not even be aware of. Meanwhile poor bus drivers are hassled by people wanting to break the rules. I hate when I'm at work and people want me to do things their way regardless of how I'm supposed to do my job! Kindness you say? Zero sum game, I say, and you obviously got your way on the bus at the cost of a piece of some bus driver's sanity!

JUST SAY NO TO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!
:sniper:

I like how people around my city are putting up insprirational signs on telephone poles all over the city. Big bright white signs written with dark colors asking us to love each other. Have patience. Be thoughtful and many more great ones. People wonder how they get the signs up so high on the telephone poles as well. Especially the ones way off the side of the road.
Yeah, Hari Krishnas seem to be into urban exploration :) People are to be spraying "Gouranga" everywhere at the moment. Motorway bridges seem to be a favourite.

I'm male, married, and have three kids and am holding down a job. But, that's not the random act of kindness.

A neighbor's wife experienced a mental breakdown due to her and her husband both being alcoholics.

My wife and I are taking care of their children while they get help, and my wife and I cleaned their house (which was filthy) and I personally did 28 loads of laundry over four days.

And yes, I'm the same guy who killed Iraqis.

I also voted for Bush. My immediate neighbors who voted for Kerry have refused to help.

What you perceive as random kindness is nothing more than a personal investment. Those people hope to get something out of it. Maybe Karma, perhaps, or the right to be known as "good people," or some shadier agenda they may not even be aware of.

Okay, first of all...DUH. People like feeling happy when they do something good. Zero-sum or not, isn't it better that something nice was done than not at all?

Anyways...

I drove a random beaten, pregnant woman to the police station. Fuck karma or happiness or whatever. At least I did something that helped her.

What you perceive as random kindness is nothing more than a personal investment. Those people hope to get something out of it. Maybe Karma, perhaps, or the right to be known as "good people," or some shadier agenda they may not even be aware of. Meanwhile poor bus drivers are hassled by people wanting to break the rules. I hate when I'm at work and people want me to do things their way regardless of how I'm supposed to do my job! Kindness you say? Zero sum game, I say, and you obviously got your way on the bus at the cost of a piece of some bus driver's sanity!

JUST SAY NO TO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT!
:sniper:
Excuse me?

Ok, fine, think whatever you want. I didn't get my way. I had asked and begged. I hadn't actually sought to annoy the driver and I thanked those who helped me. I then told the man that I didn't need the ticket but I appreicated the offer.

I only got the transfer because I asked a person who just came on the bus if they could get one from the driver.

And before you go into a tizzy (though it seems you already have) this happened in the spring of 2004.

I also voted for Bush. My immediate neighbors who voted for Kerry have refused to help.

Okay, dude, WTF is the point to bringing politics into this? Are you purposely trying to start something?

I had no idea Republicans or Democrats held the trademarks on Random acts of kindness.

What you perceive as random kindness is nothing more than a personal investment. Those people hope to get something out of it. Maybe Karma, perhaps, or the right to be known as "good people," or some shadier agenda they may not even be aware of. Meanwhile poor bus drivers are hassled by people wanting to break the rules. I hate when I'm at work and people want me to do things their way regardless of how I'm supposed to do my job! Kindness you say? Zero sum game, I say, and you obviously got your way on the bus at the cost of a piece of some bus driver's sanity!

I dont think anyone expects to get anything at all for their random act of kindness, thats why it usualy is anonymous and or random. Rules (formalities) were meant to be broken, otherwise we would all do what someone else wants us to be doing just as you said yourself. :)

I was on my way into the subway and a woman coming out gave me her all-day ticket, because she said she was done for the day and didn't need it any more. Which was nice of her. Of course, it did mean that Strathclyde Passenger Transport were down £2 on the day, and that if such practices became common they would cease to operate (or, more likely, my Council Tax would go up), but as a kind act towards a total stranger it was a very welcome surprise.

Okay, dude, WTF is the point to bringing politics into this? Are you purposely trying to start something?

I had no idea Republicans or Democrats held the trademarks on Random acts of kindness.

No, it's just that people have been casting me as a big asshole for voting for Bush and killing Iraqis.

See? Look at all the negativity. The self-congratulating hero of the "none of my Kerry-supportin' limp-wristed terrorist-lovin' neighbors are as morally righteous as I" story. And I'm in a "tizzy" apparently.

And the beaten women being driven to a police station? So that helped her? How do you know she didn't just bring some cops home, they questioned the abusive husband and then left, and hours later she was beaten to death as punishment? You just like saying you helped her, even though you have no idea if you actually did. It does make you feel morally righteous, like you have a real leg up on heartless and cynical bastards.

mine's not much, but on the way out of our local garage (to get kingskins ;) & baccy) i gave this old homeless, slightly drunk woman a lift into town when it was really cold outside a couple of weeks back.

it wasn't because i wanted anything, or had any kind of motive - i just thought 'what would it be like to be in her situation?' and said sod it... im not doing anything important... why not?
no politics, no alterior motive

I dont think anyone expects to get anything at all for their random act of kindness, thats why it usualy is anonymous and or random. Rules (formalities) were meant to be broken, otherwise we would all do what someone else wants us to be doing just as you said yourself. :)
I mean, I agree. I've done some nice things.

During the blackout here last year, I was one of the few people equipped with a flashlight that also worked, so I helped a few people find their way to their apartments because it was dark and they were elderly. They needed help up the stairs and down the dark hallways. I did so because I wanted to.

And, I helped some classmates with French, even though I'm not in that class and it's outside of my duties as a TA. Yes, even though as a TA in the Learning Centre, I'm only required to give turtoring for the computer courses, I helped someone with their French homework all semester. I also proof-read a few English papers for someone else while on duty, once again, something not in my job requirements.

Or... Oh yeah! How's this for a random act of kindness...and Santa Barbara I dare you to find something wrong with it!

My dad was picking me up from my mother's house and it had just snowed - now when it snows in Ottawa, it piles up and quickly. Also, the city doesn't plough side-streets right away, so the snow was deep. My dad took a wrong turn and we got stuck in some snow. We were unable to move and some people walking along noticed our plight - it was dark out - after we flashed out lights. Getting three shovels, they came back and they, along with my dad helped to dig the car out. During that time, another person, in the house in front of us came out to help dig us out. After a lot of effort the car was freed. Now that is real kindness.

Not good enough?

There was also a time when I was getting a ride home from school and the driveway to my highschool is on a hill. Mind you, it's an easy hill to conquer on foot and car in the off-winter season. However, during winter it gets slick and my dad couldn't drive up. But, some students who were nearby helped to push his car up.

I'm male, married, and have three kids and am holding down a job. But, that's not the random act of kindness.

A neighbor's wife experienced a mental breakdown due to her and her husband both being alcoholics.

My wife and I are taking care of their children while they get help, and my wife and I cleaned their house (which was filthy) and I personally did 28 loads of laundry over four days.

And yes, I'm the same guy who killed Iraqis.

I also voted for Bush. My immediate neighbors who voted for Kerry have refused to help.


thats very kind of you and your wife.

santa barbara sounds awfully bitter. maybe he/she needs to experience a random an act of kindness. :fluffle:

I was on my way into the subway and a woman coming out gave me her all-day ticket, because she said she was done for the day and didn't need it any more. Which was nice of her. Of course, it did mean that Strathclyde Passenger Transport were down £2 on the day, and that if such practices became common they would cease to operate (or, more likely, my Council Tax would go up), but as a kind act towards a total stranger it was a very welcome surprise.

I can see the new signs already. "Will work for kindness"

You just like saying you helped her, even though you have no idea if you actually did. It does make you feel morally righteous, like you have a real leg up on heartless and cynical bastards.
Who's being the cynical bastard now...

See? Look at all the negativity. The self-congratulating hero of the "none of my Kerry-supportin' limp-wristed terrorist-lovin' neighbors are as morally righteous as I" story. And I'm in a "tizzy" apparently.

And the beaten women being driven to a police station? So that helped her? How do you know she didn't just bring some cops home, they questioned the abusive husband and then left, and hours later she was beaten to death as punishment? You just like saying you helped her, even though you have no idea if you actually did. It does make you feel morally righteous, like you have a real leg up on heartless and cynical bastards.

I've also prevented women from being beaten by their husbands. In addition to saving my current wife, we've helped other women hide in our home until they could get on their feet - at a time when the local women's shelter was full and wouldn't take them in.

I'm not congratulating myself. I just find it odd that people on this forum say that anyone who voted for Bush can only be a self-centered asshole (especially for me, since I've killed Iraqis in person). So I'm a murdering asshole to some on this forum. But to some other people, I seem to be just what they needed at the moment.

None of the Kerry supporters on my street can be bothered with it. My neighbor asked, "isn't social services supposed to help them?" She used that as an excuse not to help.

If you want to wait until that happens, people's lives will be over.

If you see someone who needs help, stop ranting about Bush and fucking help them.

My dad was picking me up from my mother's house and it had just snowed - now when it snows in Ottawa, it piles up and quickly. Also, the city doesn't plough side-streets right away, so the snow was deep. My dad took a wrong turn and we got stuck in some snow. We were unable to move and some people walking along noticed our plight - it was dark out - after we flashed out lights. Getting three shovels, they came back and they, along with my dad helped to dig the car out. During that time, another person, in the house in front of us came out to help dig us out. After a lot of effort the car was freed. Now that is real kindness.

Is it? Maybe they just didn't want a bunch of corpses stuck in a car in front of their house forever. I know I wouldn't.

As for the people walking along, well since they were walking there was no way to just keep walking with you right there. For all they know that could have pissed you off into a murderous rage. Better to help people in the dark, then piss them off when you can't get away fast. ;)


There was also a time when I was getting a ride home from school and the driveway to my highschool is on a hill. Mind you, it's an easy hill to conquer on foot and car in the off-winter season. However, during winter it gets slick and my dad couldn't drive up. But, some students who were nearby helped to push his car up.

Youthful people LOVE to help old fogeys in matters of physical strength, because it reminds them of their own vitality (and in groups gets to be a macho pissing contest). Self-love and simple social behavior, not random kindness.

As for the people telling me I'm bitter, I call that psychological projection. You're the bitter ones, jaded by the truth of my cynicism!

I agree with My Gun Not Yours.

Even though I hate Bush, I think all politics should be put side for the god of human-kind. We should try and help each other. By being nice, you give someone the pleasure of having received an act of kindness and because they are in a godo mood, they will reach out to someone else and then the domino effect kicks in.

None of the Kerry supporters on my street can be bothered with it. My neighbor asked, "isn't social services supposed to help them?" She used that as an excuse not to help.

If you want to wait until that happens, people's lives will be over.

If you see someone who needs help, stop ranting about Bush and fucking help them.

Your neighbors are assholes. You think that's somehow tied with them being Kerry supporters? Why do you insist on painting it politically? No one in this thread called you a murderous asshole.

Your neighbors are assholes. You think that's somehow tied with them being Kerry supporters? Why do you insist on painting it politically? No one in this thread called you a murderous asshole.

I'm sure it doesn't apply to all Kerry supporters, but in this case, I think it does.

They had multiple large Kerry signs in their yard during the campaign. They are definitely upper middle class, and have no children. They have a lot of nice cars. And they have talked many times to me about the need for the government to do more.

Well, I suggest that we take John Kennedy's advice before we do that.

Here's one of the problems I have with both parties:

Rich Democrats want big social programs so that they won't have to look at the poor
Rich Republicans want to cut social programs because they figure someone else will take care of it

In either case, people in trouble are getting it up the ass.

Even though I hate Bush, I think all politics should be put side for the god of human-kind. We should try and help each other. By being nice, you give someone the pleasure of having received an act of kindness and because they are in a godo mood, they will reach out to someone else and then the domino effect kicks in.

I agree, pay it forward is a movie that emulates life in place of our lives imitating a movie.

i opened a door for a guy who had both arms full with laundry. i wasn't even going through that door, i noticed him behind me and i opened the door for him so he wouldn't have to shuffle everything around.

i opened a door for a guy who had both arms full with laundry. i wasn't even going through that door, i noticed him behind me and i opened the door for him so he wouldn't have to shuffle everything around.

hehe I thought of a good one for all you a bit well off(money wise). Open the door for your chauffeur and then take them to lunch.

They had multiple large Kerry signs in their yard during the campaign. They are definitely upper middle class, and have no children. They have a lot of nice cars. And they have talked many times to me about the need for the government to do more.
maybe they didn't want to look after the kids because they don't have any of their own and wouldn't know where to start. maybe their house isn't childproof and they're terribly ill-equipped to look after kids.

and for all you know, they have no free time 'cause they're volunteering at soup kitchens and homeless shelters... or helping out their elderly relatives.

Here's a very minor one:

Last Saturday I was working at a gig as a soundman, and was paid the grand total of £20 for it. £5 of that went to the guy who drove my equipment to the gig, £10 went on hiring a multicore and stagebox, £4.50 went on a taxi the next day to return the rented equipment to the hire company. Total profit for me after about 12 hours work: 50p. As I was walked home from the hire company and gave it to a beggar... two streets later I found a crisp £20 note lying on the pavement.


Karma?

Here's a very minor one:

Last Saturday I was working at a gig as a soundman, and was paid the grand total of £20 for it. £5 of that went to the guy who drove my equipment to the gig, £10 went on hiring a multicore and stagebox, £4.50 went on a taxi the next day to return the rented equipment to the hire company. Total profit for me after about 12 hours work: 50p. As I was walked home from the hire company and gave it to a beggar... two streets later I found a crisp £20 note lying on the pavement. Karma?


One of those little "facts of life". I think its Priceless.

maybe they didn't want to look after the kids because they don't have any of their own and wouldn't know where to start. maybe their house isn't childproof and they're terribly ill-equipped to look after kids.

and for all you know, they have no free time 'cause they're volunteering at soup kitchens and homeless shelters... or helping out their elderly relatives.

I'll give you the statement she gave me. "We can't really help people like that. That's what the government is supposed to do."

Dude, don't you think this is a bit bloody negative for a thread about random acts of kindness. Stop bringing politics into it (there really wasn't any need to bring your neighbours into it, My Gun Not Yours) and just, all of you, be more positive.

As for me, I'm not the "kindness" type.

Okay, dude, WTF is the point to bringing politics into this? Are you purposely trying to start something?

I had no idea Republicans or Democrats held the trademarks on Random acts of kindness.

I find it hard to fault him. If I were a Republican right now, I'd probably have a chip on my shoulder too. Far too many Democrats think they have a monopoly on compassion.

Aha! Compassion is a commodity!

Here's a random act of kindness. Today, walking down the street, some homeless guy asked me for spare change. I knew he wanted it to get some booze or drugs or something, so I lied and said I had none. Thus, I spared his liver and helped, minutely, towards the dude's health!

I, too, can be kind when the situation warrants it.

I travel a bit in my profession, so I have this thing I like to do. I keep an eye on the patrons of the resteraunts I go to. One night, eventually, I will see a young couple that looks like they are out for their big splurge meal for the month, or something like that. They look like they are just starting out. I get their server and pay their meal, on condition of anonymity, then watch when they get the news. It's worth every dime to see the reactions. :D

I like how people around my city are putting up insprirational signs on telephone poles all over the city. Big bright white signs written with dark colors asking us to love each other. Have patience. Be thoughtful and many more great ones. People wonder how they get the signs up so high on the telephone poles as well. Especially the ones way off the side of the road.
I find those annoying as hell and they might cause an accident if a motorist reads them. :p

Aha! Compassion is a commodity!

Here's a random act of kindness. Today, walking down the street, some homeless guy asked me for spare change. I knew he wanted it to get some booze or drugs or something, so I lied and said I had none. Thus, I spared his liver and helped, minutely, towards the dude's health!

I, too, can be kind when the situation warrants it.

Wow, you're so kind!
I'm advertising a band, for free, in my sig! I'm such a humanist.
;)