Now that I number myself  among the employment casualties of 2009 I am often at home during the day.  Thus I have become all too familiar with the phone calls from veterans organizations, organizations for the blind, the disabled, and so on asking me to buy garbage bags, light bulbs, flags, string, and all manner of other items.

Just a few moments ago I answered a call from one of these organizations.  Clearly the telemarketers are feeling the strain as well.   The initial approach (after mispronouncing my name–today I was Mrs. Wiki) of this very stressed woman was as follows:

(Her) “How are you today Mrs. Wiki?” 

(ME) “I’m fine.  How are you.”

(Her) “Well I’m not so good.  No one will talk to me. I’m calling for ORGANIZATION X and we need your help.”

(ME) “You’ll have to call back this evening when my husband is home he handles all our charitable donations.”  (And he does!)

(HER) (YELLING) “WILL YOU JUST BUY THE DAMN TRASH BAGS?  DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY LINEWORKERS HAVE BEEN LAID OFF THIS YEAR?”

(ME) No, but I know my position was eliminated this year.

She hung up.  

I don’t regret not buying the trash bags.  I just wonder who is writing their scripts for them these days?

Be Sociable, Share!

•