Skating on thin ice − 4 July, 2008
I don’t often answer our home phone because so often it is a solicitor. But with all the people I have been contacting about carpal tunnel syndrome and attention deficit problems, I answered it yesterday. Wouldn’t you know, it was the Democratic National Committee. I’m pretty sure I already asked to be put on the do not call list. I asked again to be put on the list.
I thought that would be the end of it. Silly me!
This dude lamented, “Abandoning the party at this time?” I answered, “No I just don’t like being called at home.”
Again, I thought this would be the end of it. Okay, maybe I’m an idiot.
The dude went on to say he would take me off the list, but could he send me a pledge card in the mail. All I heard was, “in the mail”. I told him that would be fine. He then went on, for about two minutes, to read me all the legalese that he said he was required to do. I listened politely, rolling my eyes.
I am a dyed in the wool Democrat. But, like I said to the man, I don’t like being called at home. So I don’t care who you are. If you want my money, don’t f-ing call me at home. Don’t come to my door. Do not invade my home.
Then, the dude began giving me the hard sell. Could I commit to one week or two weeks to pay my pledge? I was astounded at the nerve of this guy. What did he think I meant when I said I didn’t like to be called at home? That I was joking? That I was just playing hard to get?
In frustration, I hedged, saying, “I have a lot of expenses right now.” It was true. I had just forked over more than $1000 for ergonomic equipment for my home office. We have a number of loans. We have bills.
He continued to give me the hard sell. Finally in utter exasperation, I said, “Let’s just forget the whole thing.” He was confused. He wasn’t sure which part I wanted to forget. I repeated, “Everything! I just want to be put on the do not call list!”
He had completely blown it. Now he would not be getting any money from me (although given the expenses I just mentioned, I probably wouldn’t have given any money anyhow). But hey, this way I was saving him the cost of a stamp. Not even a stamp. The reduced cost of bulk mail.
What a twit. Thank goodness I’m not stupid enough to hold it against Democrats. However, if this happens again, I will threaten to register as a Republican and vote for John McCain.
