Mr. Adams,

While I certainly apologize for any negative experienes that you may have had with Southern hospitality, as someone who was born and raised in the South and has traveled to the North for various business and pleasure trips, I can always say that I am glad to come home to the one place where you can always find someone you know just around the corner.

Customer service can be a problem anywhere and is all relative to the consumer in my experience. I will also ask that if you dislike the service that you have received at any local business what you have done to change that? I consider a large problem that seems to continue to multiply among the people in our nation today, the ability to complain, complain, complain with no move towards corrective actions. Nothing changes if you complain about it, it can only change if you move to make something positive happen.

This may sound like fluff, however, if the people in our country would consider action instead of the inaction of complaining it would make a huge difference to not only help find solutions to the issues at hand, but also to show our youth that adults would rather put their money where their mouths are versus sitting back and causing disharmony by criticizing the place that they live.

If you are looking for something to get involved in that may help solve the problems you see with customer service in our local businesses, the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce is unveiling a Customer Serivce Training Certificate in conjunction with Georgia Southern University in 4 weeks. Go to the Chamber, ask how you can help get businesses signed up, or how you can help period, rather than dragging down the idea of Southern hospitality. There is also a Liberty/Long Employers Coalition. Get involved with them and see what they are doing to help increase customer service training opportunities in our area or if there is anything you can do to help them.

As always these are my two cents for what they are worth and merely an opinion as someone who can honestly say that there is no place better than my hometown community, Liberty County.

Tumbler, customer service is just a consequence of a larger problem. It may be cultural. It may be how our children are raised. It may be a lot of things. The fact remains that, with a few exceptions, people in this area have no manners. To stress that fact, at the time that I was typing the original post, my wife was shopping at the Hinesville Wal Mart. She was extremely upset when she came home, not from anything the staff did, but because of actions of some of the customers. Needless to say, they were less than amiable. One cannot complain to any store management or a Chamber of Commerce for that. I thought that this is supposed to be part of the Bible Belt. I guess that good will only applies for a couple of hours on Sunday.

I have enjoyed living all over this glorious globe as a military dependent and wife. Each community and culture has been a different, unique and adventurous experience. In the South, where my father and grandparents were born and raised, I can say I have indeed encountered Southern Hospitality at every turn. Even today when I was out in the Lake George Community every, and I mean every, person had a smile or a wave to greet me with. I have found this to be true where ever I am in the South. Not everyone will receive this welcoming I am sure, but one point to consider is how we present ourselves to the new community we enter. Our attitude could be interpreted by others as nonapproachable or even hostile. Who would give a hospitable greeting to curmudgeons!!?? If customer service is deficient then common sense would dictate to utilize a comment card or contact a manager for resolution. Many companies rely on customer feedback as to how they can improve to continue a thriving revenue with a loyal customer base. If patrons do not report these problems to management, then the inaction contributes to the problem by reinforcing the employees unacceptable behaviors as acceptable! I have lived up North for many years in different states and I never could count on someone opening a door for me or a friendly, warm smile. They were few and far between. Once I moved back to Georgia, the friendly voices, door opening gestures, and warm smiles welcomed me home! If the South is not for you, maybe home is calling you!!

I agree that customer service is just a consequence of a larger problem, which was the point of my argument before. The larger problem being the average person's inability to get off the couch and do something about issues rather than complaining from their throne of contention.

Again, I would caution criticizing how good or fair Southern hospitality might be. To agree with someone else who commented on your blog, MsGenuine, made a good point to say that it could be your approach to the people in our community that affords you the lack of manners. Since you do obviously live here now, why not suck it up and roll on down the road by committing yourself to making your situation better, rather than complaining about something you won't change by complaining about it?

While I agree that manners should always be in place, regardless of the manners of the person you are dealing with, if you approach community members with a negative attitude about the place in which they live and call home, which I think it's fair to say you have, and a frown on your face, how exactly do you expect to be treated?

I am sorry for the experience that your wife had earlier. A question, did she stop and interview the customers that she interacted with? The only reason I ask is, how are you sure that those customers were indeed from the South? Were they tattooed with an "I am from Liberty County originally" brand? Was there something about their stance, clothes, hair-do that said they were from Liberty County? Liberty County is a melting pot of humanity with numerous cultures and races represented. It is unlikely that while in Wal-Mart that even a quarter of the customers are natives of the community, more likely they are from out of the state and then that puts most of them right back into those non-Southern states, i.e. the North and mid-West.

While reporting these customers to neither the store manager nor the Chamber would have done you any good, I agree, that doesn't change the fact that your involvement in something other than complaining would do a world of good to that organization and that affects change. Helping with a customer service program, a parenting class, being a foster parent, etc. would all make you a more proactive person.

Again, if your larger issue indeed feeds into social mores' such as parenting, get off your computer chair, out of your house and make your life better by being the catalyst for change. It is unlikely that you will affect that while typing.

Mr. Adams

Two things.
1.Liberty County/Hinesville is not representative of the South. In fact, neither are Georgia or South Carolina. Why? Because both states have been overrun by folks from somewhere else.
As a South Carolinian from a long, long, long line of SC'ers, I can tell you that once there was such a thing as Southern hospitality. And yes, it is disappearing. I'm not blaming that on newcomers, by the way.

In the end, I would still rather live in the South than any place on earth.

2. If you're military, I salute you for your service (I'm a vet myself and so is my dad, my grandfather, my great grandfather and my great-great-grandfather, who fought with Gen. Lee and was mustered out at Appomatox). However, I must say that if you believe things are that much better in Ohio, Delta is certainly ready when you are.

Have a good day.
JW

Mr. Adams, I agree with what you say about this area. I assure you it is this area. I am a veteran transplant who stayed to earn a living, but I promise when retirement time comes I'm gone. I have never been anywhere in the world where so many of the local people act as trash. The locals have been breeding in this area for so long they have no culture except redneck nasty. I am from Florida and you will find the people there are open minded because of the diversity. My parents also retired around Aiken, South Carolina and if you have never been its wonderful. The locals are country and inviting, I plan to make that home. MsGenuine, you need to be careful around Lake George. That is some of the redneck breeding I am refering to. They will smile in your face, laugh as you turn away, and stab you in the back or rob you. Ask the District Attorney about Lake George residents, MOST of them are felons, starting at the beginning (left & right side) of the railroad track to the last river dock, no exceptions!

Mr. Adams, I agree wholeheartedly and wish to clarify what has been (I believe) alluded to in other responses. I work in the customer service industry (and when you think about it, who doesn't?). I see customers, co-workers and even job candidates every day who display an embarassing lack of social skills. This problem, as I see it is largely cultural. Let me expand on that. Many in the Savannah and Hinesville area were brought up with a sense of entitlement. They act as though all the world owes them. They offer no politeness or consideration for those around them. I can count on one hand the number of times that I have received "good" customer service in this area. To respond to MsGenuine and Tumbler, I awake every day with an attitude of service. I work hard to set a good example with my words and deeds. I strive to be pleasant with whoever I am dealing with regardless of their attitude. My attitude and personality are met repeatedly with disrespect and boorish manners. As I wait for the God of Political Correctness to strike me down with his lightning of "social equality", I wish to say that this problem, in my experience, is largely perpetuated by African Americans (GASP!!!) Why? I do not know. It could be the deification of thugs, drug dealers, murderers and pimps. It could be the excedingly low number of two parent families. All that I can say is that I know that I am not a racist, I am a realist.

MsGenuine, thank you for the explanation for some of the epidemic of rudeness here. "We don like dem yankees, they don marry their kinfolk or nuthin."

Some of my family members live in the Lake George community, particulary the Lake Jerico community. I can assure you there are exceptions to "YOUR RULE" that there are no exceptions to the Felon rule you created. My family is of good character and never had any run in with the law and choose to live within that community. I have met many members in that community who have been of good character, while I have heard that there is indeed some crime as well. Is there anywhere in the United States that does not have some element of crime in their neighborhood? The South is by far a niche way of life. If it does not mesh with you, you may not be a part of the niche? Not all communities are melting pots. Some very old communities regard outsiders with suspicion, which is their way of protecting their niche way of life. We are all entitled to live where we want to. That is the great freedom of America, we can move wherever and whenever! Life is a highway, pick one!!

MG, if you think the amount of crime that goes on in Lake George represents the rest of the U.S. you may be right. There certainly has been enough in that community to drive up the national average. You may also be right about the Lake Jerico side they seem to be more into staying under the influence then helping with the community crime problems. If you are refering to the good ole' boy redneck innerbreeding as "their niche way of life" I guess you are right about that as well. The only thing that is being protected by the felons in the "old" Lake George community is the drugs being brought in off the intercoastal waterway docks. I certainly do not intend to "mesh" with this type of behavior, that is your choice not mine. I also have a right to live my "niche way of life" wherever I choose and will not let my home (wherever that is) be over run by thugs - no matter whos kin folk they are. YES, there are PLENTY of felons in Lake George and you admitting to having family there told me enough about those "good character community members" you created.

I am not and neither are my family members FELONS. My entire family are transplants back in the early 80's as military retirees originally from South Carolina. All of my sisters and brother graduated from Bradwell, most top of our classes. Some of my family members settled in the Lake Jerico community while most of us live in Hinesville or in other States. Your insistence that all members of the Lake Jerico and Lake George community are somehow in cohoots with the flow of criminal activities is just plain ludicrous. I personally live in Hinesville and have seen plenty of crime in this town as well. Why you have a personal problem with the Lake George community is your personal business, but as for me.. I do try to mind my own busines and let the law enforcement do its job cleaning up the criminal element you consistantly elude to!

Maybe in your lifetime you or yours will be on the receiving end of the "good character" criminals, then we will see if you have the courage to make it your business or hide as most do. I have a problem with any coward who knowingly pretends, turns away or commits such fowl criminal behavior as I know alot of the "good character" criminals in Lake George have done to others and just because some of them have not been prosecuted by law does not mean they are not guilty. "Community", its not ALL about you or yours, that is really a self-centered characteristic of many. Its about TOGETHER making a safe environment for law bidding citizens and RESPECTING the RIGHT(S) of neighbors to live in peace without the prejudice of where they are from. "Top Of Your Class" then you should be able to do the math, one or two law officers patrolling the entire east end of the county at any given time without the citizens help, another self-centered characteristic, like bragging? Oh, if you actually mind your own business, you would'nt be on here commenting about everybody elses. It sounds like Ms"G" needs to get GENUINE about her on character!

Sounds like someone is projecting personal hatred upon an innocent blogger! Why you are targeting me and my character is beyond my scope of comprehension since your arguments and logic are quite twisted... it would seem as if you believe everything I say to be a lie! I have never met you or committed any kind of offense to justify your words of condemnation! Instead of focusing on those who you perceived to be "bragging" maybe you should focus in the mirror on those who dwell with "jealousy?" Well, I have said what I know to be true about my experiences within the Lake George and Lake Jerico community while I admit I do not personally know all of the members of the community and certainly none of the criminal element you speak of. This is a forum for discussion and is open to all who wish to participate. You do not have the right to choose who can speak and who has to be shut up utilizing your bullying tactics! I won't take the bait and as far as this discussion is concerned... I have said about all I care to. Unpleasant conversations the likes I am engaging in with you makes my morning tea taste too bitter!

BJBBJohn, it sounds to me like you are giving credit where it is due, by telling everyone just how proud & wonderful they should be of their "niche" neighborhoods. It seems to be a joke when their actions are at the expense of another, but when their behavior is publicized their attitudes does'nt seem to carry the same humor. This time I'm laughing...Thanxs!

Jealous of who? YOU, YOU, YOU, a vain cyber opinion, ego trippin', or just the fact it's hard for self-centered character to take a dose of truth. If you don't think you know of the "good character" criminal elements, then you don't really know that community at all, just picture those smiling faces...in orange jump suits!

You have the last word, Sir as I choose to no longer carry on a conversation with an uncivilized spewer of slander!

Slander is falsehood, what makes you think my statements are false? You have your opinion and I have mine. My opinion is also based on the facts that I know of, and the unfortunate reality it has been for others.

You are a free lance writer, then take on the challenge of finding out about what I am telling you to be true. It needs to be put in public view. I have family in that area too, and they have experienced the violence of bullets penetrating the walls of their home. So yes, I am angry! There has been many acts of violence in that area, with many victims, by many felons.

I understand that you are frustrated with criminal behavior in our neighborhoods. I think the entire community "Anywhere, USA" would agree with you! I am a free-lance writer, not an investigative reporter! There is a big difference. I am a social commentator and a published opinion columnist. I do not conduct investigative digging to expose a story, that is the job of a newspaper reporter. My suggestion to you is that you coordinate with the locals to form a neighborhood watch, contact an investigative reporter at the newspaper and with the assistance of the law enforcement officials to solve this problem yourself. Slander is when you call everyone in the Lake George/Lake Jerico community a FELON whether anyone knows it or not and that, kind Sir, is a falsehood. I wish you well in your endeavors, but I can no longer spend anymore time on this issue, as I have columns to write... my job is form opinions and write on the current topics of interest of the day. Hope that clarifies for you what I actually do as a free lance writer.

I apologized for the way I said it, not necessarily what I said. My original post used the term "most are felons", and while that may be a LITTLE much, there are certainly alot for that size community. I guess we can agree we disagree. However, my point is to be careful in that area because under quite alot of their smiles also hides harm. A part of success in solving the problem is bringing the criminal element to public attention and for that I also can thank you.

That my Kind Sir, is why I write!! Touche!