People Are Stealing Choose Civility Magnets

Look, this entire Embrace Hostility movement is about apathy - not hatred. Columbianites and Howard County residents should have every right not to give a shit about being civil to others living in HoCo or elsewhere. But, apparently, people are stealing magnets from other people's cars. Seriously?

From a local blog:

A few weeks ago I noticed my magnet, which I had placed on the back of my car the day I got it, was missing. I displayed it mostly to let other drivers know that I’m non-aggressive, enjoy a little distance from the vehicle in front of me, and often try to help other motorists in a pickle (I let them in so lay off your horn and my a$$). I did not display it to say: “Hey, living in one of the top ten wealthiest counties in the country entitles me to tell others how to behave.” Nor to imply whoever sees the magnet hasn’t already chosen to act civilly, as if there should be a choice. But I know I could often use a reminder, and I’m not alone, especially behind the wheel.

There should be a choice. People should have the right to keep to themselves and be completely inactive in their community. Still, stealing a car magnet is pretty ridiculous.

But why would someone swipe the magnet? It is convenient. A magnet is much easier to lift than an adhesive bumper sticker that’s baked on after a year of sunshine. But your neighbor’s newspapers aren’t tied down and their mailbox is unlocked; do you help yourself because of accessibility?

No. I don't want to read the Columbia Flier or Examiner.

Perhaps the message “Choose Civility” filled this individual (or roaming gang of magnet lifters, or politically charged censors) with such ire, he/she/they just had to pull it off my car, but kindly resisted keying my vehicle. Wow, if “Choose Civility” pisses you off that much, keep it.

Makes sense to me. People who don't want to choose civility want to censor that movement.

Embrace Hostility is about accepting how things are, which is pretty darn good. That means sitting on your ass, doing nothing, and being selfish. It has nothing to do with being so petty as to steal free magnets off of minivans.

Yeesh.