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Well, okay, not so weird, but I've always wanted to use that as a thread title.
This is mostly a mini-rant. I just need to get it off my chest.
The other day I was helping customer work out his bills for the next 18 months. He wanted to get everything paid in advance so he wouldn't have to worry about it and to make sure others could make changes and such to the account in his absence should that become necessary. I normally don't ask why people are doing things like this -- none of my business -- but that last remark sounded chilling, and I couldn't help myself. He said it was because he was being shipped out to Iraq next month for "at least" a 12 month tour, and "in case something happened," he didn't want his wife to have to worry about bills for awhile. Kinda kicked me in the gut because before then all I had concentrated on was trying to make sure he remained a customer. After that it didn't seem so important. But anyway, we worked it all out, and I got him some discounts for paying so far in advance, made the changes he wanted, etc. Left a BOLD note on his account for customer service not to give him or his wife any grief "should something happen," although I didn't tell him that part, just trying to head-off any unpleasantness should the worst occur. He thanked me. I thanked him, but for more than being a customer, and told him I'd think about him, said I'd pray he came home safe. His mind was elsewhere, but he seemed grateful for the acknowledgment. He smirked a bit as he was leaving and asked me if I vote. "Yes." "Good," he said. "Vote well." It doesn't come out in just the words, but his meaning was very clear.
Later the same day, I was doing something with someone's account, and the Dixie Chick's _Travelin' Soldier_ came on the music station we were listening to. I got another punch in the gut. I'm an overly emotional person sometimes I admit, but still. I felt myself tear up, thought about that guy again ... Had to excuse myself for a few moments for an early break.
And then, not long afterward, an interview with the Idiot in Chief came on the television. I heard that grating voice instantly, but what struck me even more was the topic. He was giving one of his speeches in which he talked about how much better things were, how much safer the world was, basically just lying out his ass as usual. This was a part of an virtual exchange shown on the news between Kerry and Bush, although I didn't see Kerry speaking. We were just told what he said.
And then ... AND THEN a customer who saw this news report decided to open his big, flapping mouth, cuss Kerry as a "geek," and say that "we" have to finish the job we started.
I have not felt anger like that in awhile. For the sake of my livelihood, I'm glad I was able to keep it under control and not say anything to him, but I have his face memorized, and besides praying for that soldier, I'm also praying I meet this guy somewhere on the street where I am allowed to ask him just when his bloated ass plans on signing up to help finish the job.
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