Funerals as Social Networking

I think I have witnessed a new low in human behavior -- using a funeral to advance one's social status and/or business agenda.

I recently attended a funeral for a co-worker. It's interesting when a prominent person of the community dies how people react. There is a special place in hell reserved for those who commit the following heinous acts at a funeral. Here is what I witnessed during the service:

1. One guy's cell phone kept going off -- more than once. By the third time I was ready to reach over and smash it over his bald head.

2. The local celebrity "Barbie and Ken" couple arrived late. Do you think they could have slipped inconspicuously into a pew in the back as to not disrupt the service? Hell nooooooo.... They had to make a grand entrance to make sure everybody saw them as they made their way to the front of the church.

3. One business owner, who has questionable ethics, left the party he arrived with during the service to go and sit by another man to discuss a little 'problem' this man could possibly help him with.

4. A local, petty politician made sure he flashed a toothy grin and glad-handed everybody as they exited the church making himself look like an ass as people were in a grief state wiping away tears.

Do people not have any decency or tact? Don't they know how stupid they look? However, there were those present who did show a quiet respect and dignity for the deceased and the family. Ironically, those who did not put on a 'show' at the funeral have more respect from the community than those who are so desperate to achieve it.