"Not Packing," Circa 2009

Social Mores, Then & Now

In the 19th Century west, rivals apparently would check their weapons at the door to show that they "weren't packing."

Without a gun, there was some semblance of trust, and with trust there was the potential for mutually profitable dealings.

The modern-day weapon of choice -- at least in middle class, suburban circles -- isn't a Colt-45, it's a Blackberry.

What's the equivalent of "not carrying" today?

Turning off your Blackberry at a meeting -- or leaving it behind altogether.

P.S.: just met an old friend who does real estate (mostly commercial) in Baltimore. An orthodox Jew, he promises to "work hard for clients 24/6" (the 7th day being Saturday).