I was going to entitle this column “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face,” but it was a bit too long. Not that the title I did use isn’t just as accurate, because it really is spot on, you know, in a foolish kind of way. I just happen to like the nose/face analogy.

And, like a whole lot of things that I write, this column came about from a conversation I had with a random stranger.

He was sitting next to me at lunch, digging into a plate of shrimp and grits that smelled to die for, while I was working my way through some pepper-seasoned, rare Ahi tuna with cilantro slaw over spicy wonton crisps.

Since we were the only ones at the bar, we started chatting. We told each other basic parts of our lives — you know, job, family, that kind of stuff.

He was pleasant enough, and quite funny actually.

And when the news came on the TV that was hanging up in the corner over the bar, he became a bit thoughtful.

It’s funny how it’s become a bit like walking through a minefield whenever the news comes on and you’re around strangers.........

© Finger Lakes Times