on Shamelessness

Walking into the stadium for a Nationals game, I was taking in the sights and sounds of the crowd when I heard a street vendor selling baseball caps:"Nats caps, Five dollars! They're TEN dollars over there, don't be ashamed, get yours for FIVE right here! No one cares if you get the ten dollar hat. Be smart!"The tone of his voice when he said 'don't be ashamed' struck me. This was not a cheap sales tactic. There was gravitas. This man did not want someone to feel ashamed at making a less expensive purchase, not because he would lose the sale, but because he was looking out.I already have more Nats caps than I can handle, so I didn't take him up on the offer, but I commend his effort to lay waste to false dignity.Don't be ashamed. It's good advice, in general. Whether you're buying a cheaper baseball cap, or doing anything else, within the limits of civility. Do what feels right, and don't be ashamed.Thanks, Nat's cap man!