Stewart hits homer on humor

I’m thrilled.

Beyond all expectations, really.

You can imagine, I’m sure, that readers respond to most of these columns. Sometimes there are just a couple of emails, but once in a while some subject really hits home and the messages come flowing in.

But this, this reaction to the thoughts of Tony Stewart on civility in America, truly rocked me.

In the neatest way possible.

I’m looking at more first-day-reaction emails than at any time except maybe the beginning of our “favorite song” poll.

It’s amazing how many people were moved enough by the subject of how we treat each other — plus Tony’s perception of both the reasons and a solution.

Something really has to grab your attention if you’re going to sit down and write an email to a newspaper columnist you never met.

Not only that, but several of the comments I received came early in the morning, and many from cellphones.

It felt as though people read Tony’s opinions first thing on Thursday, and decided to comment immediately.

ONE WOMAN’S message made me laugh …

“I’m sorry, but I have to ask Tony’s forgiveness,” she wrote, “because he worries about anonymous opinions on social media, and today I need to stay anonymous. The article in the paper immediately made me think of my boss, so I can’t use my name and still keep my job.

“I had to write, though, because this guy is always aggressive and a bit unpleasant, even when he’s not really mad about your work. It’s like he’s angry at the world all the time, or having to work where we do.

“I don’t know, but if my boss just kept the Golden Rule in mind, we would have a much better place to work.”

MADAM, I’m going to speak for Tony on this one and say you are forgiven.

And I’m so glad you (and several other readers) mentioned the Golden Rule.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Now wouldn’t our everyday lives, and society in general, be a whole lot better if we just kept those few words in mind — until eventually they become how we look at everything and everyone?

By the way, Tony’s notion that the world in general is losing its sense of humor really struck home. I’ve mentioned it in almost every public appearance I’ve ever made — and I’ve hosted several daily radio shows, so there have been plenty of opportunities.

Even our own industry has seen a kind of grimness replacing a loose and enjoyable atmosphere. Newsrooms used to be fun, but now they feel a bit like you’ve made a trip to the library.

SPEAKING of that, a few readers mentioned “Today’s Ghastly Groaner” — corny jokes submitted by the public — as one of the neatest things in The Press.

A couple of folks said they read that feature first thing, and it starts their days with chuckles.

I agree, and so as a bonus with no charge, I’m tossing in a visual “groaner” for your enjoyment. The cartoon was sent along by my friend and faithful Press reader Tim Kastning.

Have a laugh, even if you want to giggle at Tim and me for our weird taste in humor.

We don’t mind.

As Tony said with so much insight, we can’t fight if we keep smiling.

I want so much to see that across all of society.

Finally, thanks and more thanks to all of you who took the time to comment.

Let’s keep your attitude rolling, shall we?

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Steve Cameron is a columnist for The Press.

A Brand New Day appears Wednesday through Saturday each week. Steve’s sports column runs on Tuesday.

Email: scameron@cdapress.com.

Twitter:@BrandNewDayCDA