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[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

> >We all figured he, ...., was a man of his word.
> 

I could never emphasize enough how important this is when living long term 
in a community.  And yet it seems so unimportant to people now of days.  
Some one I know (a sojourner, not from around here, although it makes no 
difference except it makes me wonder how people conduct themselves where 
she's 
from) had several trees blow down during the winter storms.  Her husband, in 
her presence, told me the trees were mine for the taking.

A short while later I found she had traded the trees for some trifle.  Her 
culture is likely different.  Giving something away is not giving your word 
and being able to derive some benefit from it as opposed to none voids 
anything that might have previously been said.

We just don't think like that around here.  Even if it is much to one's 
disadvantage, if you give your word, even casually, you stick by it.

I'm not out much from not having the wood, most of it firewood but one or 
two good pieces of cherry that I could have planked.  I don't mind not 
getting it.  But I will never view those people the same way again.  I know 
better 
than to have any business dealings whatever with them because they will 
view things one way and I another.  Neither of us right or wrong, good or 
bad, 
but just don't operate on the same planet.

I bought a vehicle yesterday.  It had been parked in a public place with 
'for sale' in soap on the windows.  That is, it's a private party sale.  We 
did the usually Appalachian reverse bartering but when we finally came to an 
agreement and gave our word, it was like the most binding contact signed in 
triplicate in blood for both of us.  

There was a 24 hour delay in consumating the deal so he could slap his son 
in law around and get the title.  He found out said wastrel relative had 
gotten a title loan on the van and so he immediately went and paid it and 
relases the title.  (And there is more colorful story here, as there is in 
almost 
all our transactions and interaction, but I digress...)

During that 24 hour period, had he been offered twice as much for the van, 
he'd have sold it to me anyway simply because he said he would.  And during 
that time had I found a van for half as much money, I'd have bought his 
anyway simply because I said I would.

Don't say you are going to do something until you are sure you can stick by 
what you've said.  And try to avoid traffic and transactions with anyone 
who does not do likewise.</HTML>