Personal comment by John So much for small town hospitality I was sitting in the back room the other day when one of the gals summoned me on our sophisticated office intercom - she stuck her head through the door and yelled, "Hey dummy, someone wants to see you." Not being allowed up front often, I jumped at the opportunity. Arriving, I saw two individuals at the counter. One was definitely dressed in a seller's attire, so being the perceptive individual I am, I had to ask which one it was. After seeing the subtle head nod in his direction, I met him with the usual cordial handshake and exchanged simple formalities. The individual was representing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was trying to sell me on becoming a member. Not being dressed in anything but my everyday work clothes, I instinctively knew I would have to impress him with my suave personality, confident demeanor and obvious intellect. I did not want him thinking he was talking to just any ole country printer. So to set the tone, my first business words to him were, "I am not interested, thank you." Not only was this man dressed like a professional, he had the thick skin to go with it. Not being discouraged, he asked if he could show me a few facts, figures and the ever-quoted "poll numbers" collected by his organization. Enjoying the prestige of being up front at the Messenger, I thought I would give him a few moments of my very precious time and listen to some of his prepared presentation. I am not sure what happened or if it was something he said, but not long into his spiel I began to unload on this poor chap with all the cynicism I could muster - and believe you me, cynicism is coming easier by the year. I think it was when he tried to explain to me all his organization had been doing to promote business interests and especially small business that I snapped…       Read the rest of this comment in the Messenger.