Short Fuses

I am writing this in one of my not uncommon furies, so angry and frustrated I can barely concentrate on typing. Why? Glad you asked.

For the past several days, I've been getting phone calls which, when I answer, are met with a long silence and then an infuriating recorded voice saying, "Hello, this is an important message...." I hang up immediately. I do not respond to recorded messages. And ten minutes ago I got another saying, "It is important that we speak with you. Please hold for the next available representative." I decided to find out who these idiots are and why they feel they can not only infringe on my privacy but have the gall to put me on hold to do it! So I decided against my better judgement to see just what was so "important." I waited to speak to the "next available representative" and held through seven (count 'em, seven) every-fifteen-seconds "Please hold for the next available representative."

Finally, someone came on the line, identifying herself only as "Madge" and without mentioning who she represented. Taking a cue from the recording itself, I said: "Well, Madge, it is important that I speak with a supervisor. Now." When, after yet another long wait, another voice came on the line I said: "I want to know who the hell you are, why you're calling, and what gives you the right to call me and then put me on hold!" I heard her voice talking over my own, but not what she said, other than an irate "Goodbye!" as she hung up on me.

Gee, I guess I somehow offended her. I can't imagine how. It must be some set of corporate double standard which allows them to barge into my life, put me on hold until they deign to speak with me, and then expect me to jump through their hoops, and yet become unhappy when I dare to balk.

So I still have absolutely no idea who these people are or what they want. I am, however, quite sure that I have set in motion some sort of gigantic corporate machine designed to make life as miserable as possible for anyone like me who has the temerity to question their right of absolute power over my life. I'd not be surprised if they were to cut off whatever questionable service they might be providing in retaliation for my rebellion, and do whatever they can to damage or destroy my credit. I can almost sense the whoosh of notifications going to all credit reporting organizations warning them of my unworthiness.

And what defense do I have against this happening? Why, none at all, of course. I could hire a lawyer and spend myself into bankruptcy trying, but it would be yet another exercise in futility. I am utterly, totally at their mercy, and they know it.

I also suspect that this particular company is the same one which recently dunned me (by "This is an important message" recordings to which I also did not respond) over a supposed unpaid bill which had in fact had been paid and of which I had proof. When they finally got off my back, I of course did not receive so much as a "ooops, sorry!" from them. (Being a corporation means you never have to say you're sorry.)

It is the sense of total powerlessness which drives people to commit so many of the crimes and atrocities afflicting our society today. I do not plan to buy an assault rifle and go out seeking revenge, but thanks to the N.R.A. it would certainly be easy enough to do so. But the N.R.A. is a subject for another blog.

So I now await the dropping of the other shoe as a result of today's call. I still have no idea of who these people are or what they want. They have my address. One might think they could drop me a letter outlining whatever problem they think exists. But one might think a lot of things and still be wrong.

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