Don't Gum up the works

GUM

Was out and about today. Generally when paying at a register, the person ringing up the purchase is chewing gum, but not always with their mouth open, fortunately.

There was a time when chewing gum in public was frowned upon as rude, but now it’s just a habit that provides for some a source of feeling good.

Gum is sold as a breath freshener, as a stress reliever, as a way to relax, a way to improve one’s syntax, as a source of sugar, as a way to kill time, as a way to practice blowing bubbles (specific brand), as a source of enlightenment, as a religion, as a treat.

Now, I did not want to “gum up the works” by getting onto a tangent but it does not take any kind of skill to observe that the chewing of gum in every demographic is pervasive in our society. Drop it and it sticks to the ground, to your shoe, on your clothes, in your hair. (Although dropping it in one's hair does not make sense)  It promotes cavities, if you over chew, it sticks between the teeth, and it plays havoc with dentures. Gum takes on a life, can smell bad or minty and the person chewing does not notice if it has any negative affect to friends or family.

Chewing gum is a habit with some effort can be broken but it is like an old friend most people do not want to give up.

I am not sure if suggesting a solution to the “gum issue” would do any good, it’s like suggesting to the oil companies to increase supply and reduce the price. It just is not going to happen.

So my suggestion, as in one of my past blogs “Get over it” “it is what it is.” “Think before you chew” And while you are at it, don’t gum up the works.