'Tis the season to be an inconsiderate tool

I stopped by the store (Knollwood Cub) on the way home from work tonight to pick up supplies for a daddy-daughter road trip tomorrow.

The Salvation Army bell ringers were out in full force as they have been for a couple weeks now. Of course, these volunteers are (almost) without exception cheerful and polite, wishing passers by a happy holiday regardless of whether they make a donation. Tonight, though, I felt the urge to contribute.

The bell ringer this time was actually a collection of ringers -- a dad with his two young boys. As I put the money in the kettle, the boys smiled, said 'thank you,' and kept on ringing happily.

Then, I noticed the dad. He had his head down, staring at the screen of his iWhatever, texting with one hand and less-than-half-heartedly ringing his bell with the other. He didn't even bother to lift his head up to the folks walking by, apparently figuring he'd sufficiently delegated the pleasantries to the boys.

I'm probably overreacting, but if you're going to ring the bell for the Salvation Army, ring the damn bell. There's a time for multitasking, but that was just rude. I think what annoyed me the most was the example he was setting for his sons. Fortunately, it looks like they got their manners from their mother.