Thursday, October 18, 2012

Well, that's a first... :-/

Doing my shift at the substation.  Right next to it is the post office, and some group had set up very inflammatory politcal signage.  I didn't like it, but it is everyone's First Amendment right to do. They were not blocking anything, or agressive, so I just sighed, and went into the sub. 

I live in an area where it is not unusual to have people who know me, or conversely, I know them, show up for a complaint.  Soon enough, a gal I know, (and dread dealing with), stormed into the sub.

"WHAT are you going to do about the people next door?!?!???"

I tried to put on a professional smile, and answered, "They are legal, it is a public sidewalk."

She glared at me, and nearly snarled, "I PAY for that sidewalk, and I PAY your salary!"

I didn't say a word.  I knew if I pointed out that she lives outside the city, so she doesn't pay city tax, she would be angry... 

And that little detail that I am a volunteer, so she doesn't pay me Jack, uh, Cheese, would really set her off. 

I just demurred with, " If you want to report it, you need to call the local police."

She then stormed out like a furious tornado, all but bellowing, "THAT IS A HATE CRIME!  IT'S A HATE CRIME!  YOU ARE ALLOWING--"

Thankfully, the door closed on her diatribe...

So, I must say, that is the first time I have had the "I pay your salary" card played.  The deputies thought it was a kick, too, when I told them. 

One suggested that I point to the half inch "VOLUNTEER" written on my work shirt.

But...  I doubt she'd notice.

On the bright side, I had a gent come in, and I was able to help him update his voter registration.  So, it all works out.  I think.

14 comments:

Sally said...

Well done for keeping your 'cool' with that lady. It doesn't sound as though she is a very happy person.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Sounds like they SHOULD pay you!
Well, thank you... clearly you are in the line of fire, and taking hits from the cranky citizens, in and out of the city. I hope you keep you humor.

messymimi said...

It's sad that so many are willing to pull out the "it's a hate crime" card when others say something with which they disagree.

Hm, i wonder what she would have said if you'd have told her "You wouldn't have to see it if you leave!" ;)

Andrea said...

How on earth did you bite your tongue about being a volunteer?!?! Maybe she would've stayed longer then though spewing more rage.

Sharon said...

Yes - some people are indeed scary! It was nice you managed to keep your cool. Good for you!

stephen Hayes said...

So it all balanced out. My wife is a volunteer coordinator for our local police department and it's amazing how abusive people are to volunteers. Shameful.

Cat said...

I have no idea. I know her from several interests we both have, and she is just as loud and unforgiving at those events, too... :(

Cat

Cat said...

I would love to be paid, but I don't think it is in the cards... Meh. I must say, there are more "goods" than "bads" with the job, so I am not too upset. It's just that the "bads" tend to be a lot... noisier. (And writing things like this blog is how I keep my sense of humor...)

Cat

Cat said...

I wish I had the nerve to say that, but I have to deal with her, as we participate in several small town things that make it hard for me to tell her off, uh, er, make jokes... And I heard that, but fortune has it that I heard First Amendment several times too. (Even if we all thought it was rather disgusting...)

Cat

Cat said...

Trust me, this woman would not have budged from her harangue if I had turned blue, red smoke came out my ears, and my nose lit up with a yellow strobe... It's just easier to let her go on, when she finds she can't get what she wants, she wanders off to find other victims, er, ears.

Cat

Cat said...

I agree, but it is a fortune that it is not too often here. I have had one deputy tell me, some people notice the star, and not the volunteer, some notice the volunteer and not the star. This woman would not notice an oncoming freight train at full throttle... But I get to work with some great guys and gals, and the chance to help my county, so I just use the experience as blog fodder, and hope she finds some other folk to annoy. Meh...

Cat

Cat said...

It wasn't so hard to keep my cool, I've dealt with her before, so it was just a matter of not winding her up more than I had to...

Cat

Inger said...

I agree with the comment above: Sounds like they should pay you. You really handled that beautifully. I know I would have thrown the volunteer thing at her. Doing no good, so you are so right in keeping it to yourself.

Cat said...

The sad thing is, she would not have paid attention, or talked right over me. She is ridiculously aggressive, and it is just better to let her wind down, like an especially malicious wind up toy... :(

Cat