Yesterday on the road, I saw what looked like two travelers tentatively riding on a local highway. Behind the travelers was what seemed to be an impatient, and perhaps angry driver. I wondered if the traveler's looks or what seemed like newness to the area had triggered the other driver's anger. I didn't know, but I stayed close to the travelers' care and drove cautiously. The angry driver soon accelerated far beyond the speed limit and sped past my car and the travelers' car. I continued to stay close to the travelers' car.
As I write about this, I am reminded of a time when I was traveling in Turkey. What seemed like an angry, intoxicated Turkish man at the bus station lashed out at me with all kinds of body gestures and frightening, derogatory terms. He clearly hated Americans and targeting me because I was an American traveler in his country. A small group of Turkish friends quietly approached me and my husband. They told me to stay close to them and sit on the bus near them. On the bus, the man continued to rage until he passed out. I was so thankful for the good Turkish people who looked out for my husband and me that day.
We can all help out when we see what appears to be unsafe or dangerous situations. We can all be on the lookout and ready to help when people need that help. We should never turn our backs on someone in need, and if we are not sure what to do we can call authorities or simply ask the question, Can I help?
This is a simple way to contribute to a kinder, gentler, better nation.