POLITICOS!!!! & the DO NOT CALL LIST!!

POLITICOS!!!! & the DO NOT CALL (again) LIST!!

One of my favorite pet peeves...

The do not call list

The do not call list has been a God-send to many of US who like to eat dinner without being hounded by the 'gimme' crowd.

The lawmakers however in their 'finite' wisdom, neglected to include themselves and 'charities' in this legislation. Always strings attached. I have finally noticed a decrease in pleas from the 'We need your help' groups. Now however, they seem to be spawning a legion of 'surveys' who have a cure for something. Sure... they are not a 'sales' organization, but just willing to assist you in a problem you were unaware you had... yup! again...

Now, with the election looming close on the horizon...
instead of the old fashioned phone canvassing, I now have someone's old cast off '386' computer calling with a canned 'vote for me' message. Worse than spam or junkmail

I had the dubious pleasure of no less than 5 calls from the same candidate in 2 days. Actually 2 of them were from other agencies supporting this person. Of course when I called their campaign HQ, they said they had no control over the supporting agencies and couldn't understand why their own office called more than once! I was asked to be sure and let them know if it continued.

Bad enough to have the politicians calling me, but when they are too damned lazy to have a person call, I am done. This entire scenario is so typical of the government's inability to have any true regard for the voters.

I give up... quit.... surrender...

Thursday I was invited to a VETS Day program at a local school. Actually 2 different schools.

As a Vietnam Vet, I am used to being somewhat of an also-ran. However, my experience here was of the most insulting nature. I have been defiled in a variety of manners, but this was in my estimation slightly worse than being spit on.

At the first school, we had a sit down with the Principal. He seemed like a nice sort, but was deathly afraid of allowing the children to ask questions. Seems they might ask about death. Sure wouldn't want them exposed to that.

The next school was a bit vexing. I felt a bit odd when we entered the auditorium and saw all of the flags on the wall. There were flags from many African countries and most Asian countries, PLUS MEXICO. Nowhere did I see the flags of any of our allies or other Western Nations;

England, Spain, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and too many to mention.

Things became a bit more clear when the choir came out to sing. They were introduced and did a GREAT rendition of the National Anthem. This is a difficult piece for any vocalist, let alone a youth choir to do it A Capella. GREAT job… now if the moron with the mic had gotten it right… seems he thinks God Bless America is The Star Spangled Banner…

Next he presented his slick little PowerPoint presentation. Good for him.

He started out with many pix of WWI Vets and battlefields and graveyards of the WWI era. He flashed through several photos of WWII Vets and went directly a whole series of 911 firefighters. The rest of us who died and bled after WWII I guess have no place in his history. Perhaps I will write more on this some other time. Right now, I am unable to continue.

I think I will turn my ID as a member of the race... it is just not worth it as times

JOB!!! The care & feeding of same and how handy they are to have around.

I have had an interesting collection of work experiences since I left Romac in the Spring.
On a whim, I went to work for the YWCA maintaining their homeless women's shelters. The job was a good one, but the staff wasn't particularly thrilled to have another man on board. Especially one who was not completely sympathetic and a flag waver for the 'alternate lifestyle' way of thinking. I guess 'live & let live' is no longer acceptable in the land of PC.

The pay was not really up to par, but it was enough to expect from a public service Org. Being able to help was worth the extra $$$. 98% of the clients were real jewels. The other 2% were real unpleasant crones who had the 'hand' out at all times and couldn't see past the tip of their own middle finger.

My boss "M" (who shall remain nameless) was / is a really great woman whom I miss. I miss also the office manager "D" who sort of 'baby-sat' me and helped me through the labyrinth of 'No-No's' that are scattered about like land mines. I also miss my compadre, whom I will call..."J". He was awarded the job of Super for Maintenance. I honestly didn't feel he was up to the task. Well, I must now eat those words. He is doing well as I hear and I wish him all the best.
I had the foolish notion that the 'golden "BOY" ' in the HR Dept was a real HR person and would take care of matters. After a multitude of phone calls and e-mails went unanswered, I faxed him (without instructions from him) some info on my Rx Ins he wanted. Seems I was NOT allowed to be irritated. Next day I had an attorney and a letter from Golden Boy outlining the 'you're fired' part. (must have caught him on a bad day or something… perhaps he broke a nail?? Or possibly a heel???) Oh well... been fired by far better people than him and the person? They sent to carry the axe...

I tried to retreat and lick my wounds from this experience, but couldn’t really find anything that hurt badly enough to require attention. Oh well, back to the grind. :(

I next hooked up with a guy who is a general contractor and has leases on several commercial buildings locally. He needed someone to keep a an eye on two of these. Best he could do was about 20 hrs. a week. He had equipment to work on, but the building was not suitable…. Too bad as he is a good guy and I could have been happy there…

Good ‘ol Volt called and had a job at Hostess Bakeries. Wasn’t too bad, but it was about 3 hrs a day on the bus. Oh also, there was a Super whose sole ability was to shout into other people’s faces and belittle them. Choice was, go to jail on assault charges…. Or leave. I suppose I could have sued, but why bother?

Next was a possible promising spot in a marine repair business working on ‘yachts’ and pleasure vessels.
Now, I don’t know about you, but the words ‘yacht’ and ‘vessel’ conjure up visions of seaworthy blue water boats. His idea was 20 ft plastic boats about 8 feet wide with a one lunger diesel shoehorned behind the ladder. This fat old man just wasn’t up to the challenge. Add to this, an owner who chews Oxycontin like candy for pain….. The day I was there, he complained continuously about all of his previous employees and the guy who was working then. I could hardly wait to hear what he would have to say about me. The next morning I was so sore, I was almost unable to get out of bed and could not tie my shoes… Damn… should have not let my membership with 24 hr fitness lapse. LOL :-)

Well, this coming week starting on Tuesday (Monday is Vets Day Observed) I have interviews. Note to self… wish self luck.