Bumper Stickers

Yesterday I saw one that said “Just be nice.”

Doesn’t that say it all? It goes back to my previous rants about manners and courtesy and the apparent lack thereof in our society today.

Just be nice.

It totally made my day.

Nothing political, nothing ideological, nothing divisive or even competitive.
Not “My kid is an honors student at Central High”. Not “State University Football”. Not “Boycott Them” or “Vote for Him” or “Save the Whales”. Not “Conquer Cancer” or “Walk for Alzheimer’s” or “Fight Autism” or “Share the Road”.

I have nothing against the whales, the candidates, the teams or the honors students. I personally support all of the whales, some of the candidates, a team or two, and every honors student I can single-handedly identify.

I oppose cancer (in all its many-ribboned forms), Alzheimer’s, and Autism. I gladly share the road with bicyclists. I have been known to boycott, walk, fight and share, though maybe not all at the same time.

But I rarely display a bumper sticker.

My previous favorite was “Serving Donuts on Another Planet”. My son is a big fan of “Jesus Loves You—Everyone Else Thinks You’re an A**hole”. I have to admit, I like that a lot, too. Probably because it applies to so many people. But I definitely have a new favorite. Three little words.

Just be nice.

Some years ago I had co-worker who coveted the “Mean People Suck” bumper sticker, but declined to put one on her car because she had a young daughter. I admired her standards, and thought she was right to remain above the fray on that one. I’d love to find her, and send her my new fave. And one for her daughter, too!