As most of you know I'm a keen American - after all I came here by choice not accident of birth! However, that doesn't mean I believe the country is perfect. For instance, it is America that has spearheaded the use of Christian names - Oh, OK, first names if you must. There is nothing more obnoxious to me than the sight and sound of a small child addressing an adult by his first name. It is even encouraged by some adults as they seem to think it helps everyone to relax. The heck with relaxation! What about manners and respect. A child frankly hasn't had the experience to be allowed to do that.
And yet strangely, the moment a serious crime has been committed, the perpetrator is immediately referred to by his title. Only the other day a murder was committed close by the Empire State. During the initial announcement the news media began calling the shooter Mr. Johnson. And yet if you talk to some customer service rep over the phone, never having met before they immediately want to know what your first name is. I usually tell them "Mr." Come on People!
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