View Full Version : Doing the right thing!
Ethical College Students Leave Money for Items After Accidentally Breaking Into NJ Store
By Julian Kimble | Aug 29, 2013 | 12:00 pm
Four football players from William Patterson University were able to get inside of Buddy’s Small Lots store in Wayne, N.J. on Tuesday after it was closed due to a broken lock. Rather than rob the place blind, they left money for the items they took, even going as far as to include tax. What an honest group of young men.
They entered the store on Sunday night, thinking it was still open because of the broken lock and the fact that the lights were still on. The stores that flank Buddy's were also reportedly still open. When they couldn't find a store clerk, they placed the money on the counter and left.
Buddy's director of operations Marci Lederman was delighted by the honesty these young men displayed. "I think that there are still wonderful people in this world that have a sense of honor and dignity," she said. She also invited them to return to the store, which they did, calling themselves the "good guy burglars." Jelani Bruce, Anthony Biondi, Kell’E Gallimore and Thomas James all received $50 gift certificates to the store.
Bruce explained that they were looking for dorm room items, but were in a rush to get back to practice. "We had to get to practice, because we were running a little late," he explained. "So we decided to put the money on the counter instead of stealing it, because that's just not right."
See, there are honest people in the word. We hope their coach gave the entire team a speech about character in the wake of this.
Full story plus video: http://www.complex.com/city-guide/2013/08/william-patterson-college-students-buddys-small-lots-new-jersey
:lifter
Pat
We all need to read a good story like that every now and then, it renews our faith in our fellow man. Trouble is the bad news generally outweighs the good.
“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.” - John Wooden, who, ironically in this case, was a coach.
Nice to see some good guys in the news for a change.
Susan
Amazing that somebody would get an award for not stealing.
Wasn't that long ago it would be understood that you pay for what you buy as a matter of course.
The Country's going to hell in a handbasket.
Amazing that somebody would get an award...
(Do I get an award for bringing Dusty out of hiding?) :D
Pat
(Do I get an award for bringing Dusty out of hiding?) :D
Pat
lol
I haven't been hiding. There's just been so much idiotic nonsense coming across from all azimuths that I consider it fruitless to point them out, anymore. Too busy.
This example, however, is abjectly stupid, and bears comment. Racist, too, if you ask me.
If those had been a couple old angry white men who threw down the cash for the goods, how much attention would the media have paid? It's like they're trying to say, "Look! All young black males aren't criminals at heart!"
How reassuring.
Next time I play golf, I'm gonna take off two strokes a hole for not cheating. :rolleyes:
twistedsquid
08-29-2013, 17:44
Amazing that somebody would get an award for not stealing.
Wasn't that long ago it would be understood that you pay for what you buy as a matter of course.
The Country's going to hell in a handbasket.
Agreed. Let's celebrate the occasional "dated" social mores. And reward mediocrity.
Next time I play golf, I'm gonna take off two strokes a hole for not cheating. :rolleyes:
I understand what you are saying. If they had called the owners and let them know that the door was unlocked, I can see rewarding them since the potential for theft was still there.
I don't mind some recognition for doing the right thing, though, as an example to those who were raised by rotten parent(s). ;)
Pat
Next time I play golf, I'm gonna take off two strokes a hole for not cheating. :rolleyes:
LOL .... You still won't break a hundred. :rolleyes: :munchin
Glad to see ya back.
I don't mind some recognition for doing the right thing, though, as an example to those who were raised by rotten parent(s). ;)
Pat
If only the example were followed, right?
Yes they did what they should have done, why the storeowner would not have posted a guard on his unsecured business is beyond me. Obviously the store manager found their honesty refreshing hence a reward. We do not hesitate to post the negative regarding young black men doing bad things like beating to death WWII vets so I do not have a problem with the positive publicity these young men generated.
If only the example were followed, right?
One can hope! ;)
When our son was in HS football, I noticed that his teammates were MUCH better behaved than the cheerleaders who were pretty much out of control. A little discipline goes a long way: a father, a coach, a drill sergeant, a wife...:eek:
Pat
Ambush Master
08-29-2013, 19:57
lol
This example, however, is abjectly stupid, and bears comment. Racist, too, if you ask me.
If those had been a couple old angry white men who threw down the cash for the goods, how much attention would the media have paid? It's like they're trying to say, "Look! All young black males aren't criminals at heart!"
How reassuring.
One of them is white!!
We do not hesitate to post the negative regarding young black men doing bad things like beating to death WWII vets so I do not have a problem with the positive publicity these young men generated.
I'm talking about propagandizing by the media, not posting to a discussion board.
If it weren't for Drudge, Fox, etc., how extensive would the coverage of Shorty's death have been in the lamestream press compared to the Trayvon Martin case?
This is the libs putting a random, candid snapshot of normal honesty on the level of the Nobel Prize regarding publicity.
One of them is white!!
Regardless. One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch for the purposes of propaganda.
I noticed that in the case of the Aussie athlete who was gunned down, one of the perps was reported to be half white.
I know a half white politician who's proud to be called a black man. What if he gets in trouble with the law- does he suddenly become white?
The point is-no matter the race of the person-you pay for what you get. That's the normal, lawful, right thing to do for everybody.
Then why is it big news?
I'm gonna make one more post with what is probably the only comment I should have made regarding this item in the first place.
Ask yourself why it's so incredibly newsworthy for a few college kids to pay for a store purchase as opposed to stealing it.
Maybe I am being a little bit Pollyanna'ish, but my take on it is that the store owner was making a public thank you. And hopefully, the MSM got it right this time and is using it as a public service announcement and a lesson in character for those who might not have made the same choices. I didn't/don't see race as a factor in the release.
Maybe I am being a little bit Pollyanna'ish, but my take on it is that the store owner was making a public thank you. And hopefully, the MSM got it right this time and is using it as a public service announcement and a lesson in character for those who might not have made the same choices. I didn't/don't see race as a factor in the release.
So, you think that if all the kids were white, it would have been big news? Hmm.
Reminds me of that Bobby Jones movie where the official congratulated him for calling a penalty on himself and he said something along the lines of, "That's like congratulating me for not robbing a bank. I don't know how else to play the game."
The game hasn't changed; the players have.
Hoping so, yes. And I think because the players have changed, releasing the video was a good thing. It serves as a good example for all kids, regardless of race. Reason being, I live in one of the richest counties in the country. Seeing a lot of over privileged white kids with too much money and time on their hands, and they can cause trouble, as well, and some haven't been taught a lot of manners and good behavior.
Not to say there aren't a lot of good kids here, too, but for the ones that aren't getting the lessons from their parents, the lesson is applicable more so because they are kids rather than due to race. Just my opinion. Like I said, maybe I am being a Pollyanna, but I think it is a teachable moment.
Like I said, maybe I am being a Pollyanna, but I think it is a teachable moment.
Concur.
The lesson being that the moral fiber of the Country has degraded to the point to where kids being videoed not stealing is huge news because kids stealing is de rigeur.
Concur.
The lesson being that the moral fiber of the Country has degraded to the point to where kids being videoed not stealing is huge news because kids stealing is de rigeur.
Unfortunately, yes.
The lesson being that the moral fiber of the Country has degraded to the point to where kids being videoed not stealing is huge news because kids stealing is de rigeur.
Or maybe it has as much, if not more, to do with the way things are being reported, combined with our access to so much reporting that was only locally reported news at one time, that makes it appear that way now - that the population has both grown and urbanized and that numbers may have increased, but that as a % of the total population things haven't changed all that much at all. :confused:
As far as the other recent issues brought into this thread go, I found this to be a pretty thoughtful piece by LV Granderson.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/22/opinion/granderson-criminal-kids-responsibility/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Richard
As far as the other recent issues brought into this thread go, I found this to be a pretty thoughtful piece by LV Granderson.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/22/opinion/granderson-criminal-kids-responsibility/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Richard
From that outstanding piece:
"We don't teach accountability, we don't expect accountability and I'm not even sure we even know what accountability looks like anymore. Some of us have become so addicted to pointing fingers at others for all the wrong that happens in our lives that self-assessment has become synonymous with blaming the victim."
That's why the players have changed.
But as callous and as heartless as this sounds, I just can't get past what awful parents she and the boy's father were. Children may be born angels, but with all the temptations out there in the world, it takes work to try to keep them that way.
Excellent piece. Thank you Richard.
Or maybe it has as much, if not more, to do with the way things are being reported, combined with our access to so much reporting that was only locally reported news at one time, that makes it appear that way now - that the population has both grown and urbanized and that numbers may have increased, but that as a % of the total population things haven't changed all that much at all. :confused:
As far as the other recent issues brought into this thread go, I found this to be a pretty thoughtful piece by LV Granderson.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/22/opinion/granderson-criminal-kids-responsibility/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Richard
I very rarely agree with Granderson, but I read his piece every week because it usually results in my reflection of how others different than me think. I thought this piece was excellent when I read it last week, and I think the comments are even more telling.
Oldrotorhead
08-30-2013, 10:15
One can hope! ;)
When our son was in HS football, I noticed that his teammates were MUCH better behaved than the cheerleaders who were pretty much out of control. A little discipline goes a long way: a father, a coach, a drill sergeant, a wife...:eek:
Pat
When I was in HS I really liked out of control Cheerleaders.:D
A HS coaching staff's attempt at a life lesson. Fits in here as well as anywhere.
"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece — by thought, by choice, courage, and determination."
Full text of Union High School football letter
By Geoff Liesik, Deseret News
Published: Tuesday, Sept. 24 2013 9:30 p.m. MDT
Updated: 32 minutes ago
ROOSEVELT — Union High School football coach Matt Labrum and his staff suspended all 80 players from the team last week because of off-field problems ranging from cyberbullying to skipping classes.
The coaches informed the players on Friday that there would be a 7 a.m. meeting the next day where they would have an opportunity to re-earn a spot on the team.
Below is what the letter said.
Union Football Character
Gentlemen, we are not pleased with how our football brothers are representing our family, school, community, alumni, family and yourselves. It is a privilege to play this wonderful game! We must earn the opportunity, to have the honor to put on our high schools jersey each Thursday and Friday night! The lack of character we are showing off the field is outshining what we are achieving on the field. We want student-athletes that are humble to learn and grow through adversity and success on and off the field. We want a team that others want to associate themselves with and support; winning isn't the most important criteria for that to happen.
Humbleness, thankfulness, humility, respect, courage and honor are much more important than winning ballgames! We can achieve both if we start to act with others' feelings in mind and focus on how we can make someone else's day instead of just wrapped up in ourselves. WHEN WE ARE WORKING ON THIS AND ACHIEVING THIS WE WILL BE MOLDING OUR CHARACTER IN A POSITIVE WAY! Right now we are way off as a collective group. We want change and are going to make changes now.
As of tonight we are no longer playing football until we meet certain criteria!
TURN YOUR JERSEYS IN NOW!
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. electing captains "Attitude Reflects Leadership" — Remember the Titans.
Monday: 3:30 we will be doing a service project during practice time, come prepared to work, then we are all required to attend the Cougar Legend Banquet. Find ways to serve during this event.
Tuesday: We will be performing more service in lieu of practice.
Wednesday: Study Hall begins at 3:30 and we better have specific items to work on. We will be in there for the duration of practice. You must have enough work for 2 hours.
Criteria to EARN jersey back for Friday's Game
1) Attend all practices that we have planned and any others that may come up.
2) Be on time and totally prepared
3) No F's or discipline problems
4) Do an individual service project for your family, give me a typed report of it and pictures and have your parents sign it. (Due Wed. before study hall)
5) Memorize and pass this quote off to one of the coaches at some point during study hall
"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast is not given to us. We have to build it, piece by piece — by thought, by choice, courage, and determination."
If you meet ALL criteria by Wednesday night, you will have earned the privilege to play in the games on Thursday and Friday. If you fail then you will miss this week's game.
Signed,
your coaches
<snip>
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865587039/Union-High-School-football-coach-releases-character-letter.html
Trapper John
09-26-2013, 14:25
Man, you sure won't see the likes of Jim Tressel or Joe Paterno doing anything like that! Sorry if I offend Buckeye or Nittany Lion fans, but that statement pretty much goes for every other major college sports program too. But not to single out college sports programs either, that also pretty much goes for our entire up-side-down PC society.
The point that Richard makes about widespread dissemination of local news and population growth normalizing the percentage of miscreants between then and now is a valid one. On the other hand, there is a palpable shift in our societal values and it is reflected in the absence of personal accountability as Granderson so thoughtfully points out. This is a symptom. Now the question is what is the diagnosis, causative agents (etiology), the treatment plan, and the prognosis for the patient?