… and it never, ever lets me down.
Feeling very frustrated and sad this morning because for the life of me, I could NOT get any problems solved for a customer. I told Duty that “advocating for the customer was very hard at (place of employ) because I just cannot get anyone to DO anything”
Uni heard me (bows to the east) and gave me the opportunity to advocate for someone else who needed some help (and not just about the missing 4 cents in their account either!).
Over at Craig’s List (rants and raves) a vet posted this:
I’m a disabled veteran returning to school to learn a new job. I can’t do my old one from a wheelchair. I need help getting an Apple computer. I’m studying computer programming, photography, and graphics. I really need a newer Apple computer for what I’m doing.
My parents are tapped out after remodeling the house so I can live here, and getting funding from the government sucks. They really pinch their pennies. They are acting like I’m trying to rape, pillage, and plunder.
Can anyone help,… please? If you want I’ll meet to prove that I’m in a wheelchair.
An idiot responded:
Soldier,
Let me start by saying there is no Honor or Dignity in begging. This is conduct unbecomming of a soldier/NCO/Officer.
If you are a disabled vet then the Veteran’s Administration has taken care of you for the next four years in college. All tuition paid plus more. That’s more than the average student who needs to borrow or work.
So, lean forward, adjust, and overcome. Nobody is being insensitive, but if you think your biggest problem is not having a computer for school, your in for some major obstacles.
If you are not a veteran, don’t use our name in vain and for your benefit.
Thank you.
(At this point, I am a tad pissed but apparently VetBoy can hold his own):
Vet responded further:
RE: RE: Disabled Vet needs computer for school
Reply to: anon-57023877@craigslist.org
Date: 2005-01-25, 12:07PM EST
Since you refused to leave an email address for me to reply to I’m doing it here. I am a Veteran, I am disabled, I am stuck in a frickin’ wheelchair for the rest of my life.
Yes, The VA is going to pay my tuition for college. Yes, they give me a monthly stipend, which doesn’t come close to covering the bills. (Bills, I might add, that I had no problem paying while at my old job, before being recalled. Bills that I have to keep paying or file bankruptcy.) Yes, they’re helping with some other things. However, when it comes to hardware and software that I need for my classes the VA and the Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services are being tightwads. They INSIST I find funding for them elsewhere. “Get another loan,” my counselors tell me. YEAH RIGHT!! I’m barely staying afloat now.
Like I said: My parents are tapped out after making modifications to my home that the VA insisted I have, but wouldn’t pay for.
You’re very right about there being no Honor or Dignity for a vet to beg. But you know what? If I didn’t have to, I wouldn’t. I seriously doubt that you’d really know what the TRUE meaning of conduct unbecoming really is. Look it up in the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
And while we’re on the subject of not knowing things. How about this: Do you know what it’s like to wake up and feel nothing from the chest down? Do you know what it’s like to have to piss through a tube the rest of your life? How about waiting in line for 15 hours for medical attention. How about 6 hours of filling out forms only to be handed another 6 hours worth,… just for basic benefits. No!! I don’t think you know what it’s like. And I doubt you know what dealing with the VA is like.
You know what? I’m not bitter about going over there. I’m not bitter about what happened. I’m not bitter about being paralyzed. I’m not bitter about the VA and how it’s run. I AM BITTER about asshats like you that have NO CLUE what it’s really like. Especially when you make snide remarks about Honor, Dignity, and Conduct,… things that I HIGHLY DOUBT you really know the meaning of.
~Soldier
and, well, let me quote from my post here (where else, Dkos):
It’s so funny how this came about – I was having a really bad day at work and scanned the Rants/Raves at CL – something I never do. I saw someone commenting about a fight going on over in the computer section and for kicks I checked it out.
Once I saw it, all I could think of was “OH NO YOU DON’T BUST ON A SERVICEMAN” and immediately came here to post about it.
I have totally blown off my real work today to sort of coordinate this deal and I have never been happier than doing this.
Thank you, all of you, for your generosity. Today, we have all had a hand in making someone’s life just a bit better than it was 24 hours ago. That’s something to be proud of. I know I am.
“I don’t want a yellow ribbon. Just a soldier with a mac.” Brody V
I’ve been in contact with this soldier (who is a really nice and cool dude, btw) and with the graciousness of everyone on DKOS, so far we’ve raised almost $1000 to help him get his computer. Here’s some of his comments to me about it:
Lisa,
I’m being flooded by emails right now, and I’m taking a break from writing. My hands ACHE from typing LOL. But I promise, I will email everyone!!!!
There are about 200 of them if you include the fact that Paypal emails me every time someone sends something.
You guys have been so great. I can’t believe this is happening. My Mom is dancing around the room singing and reading over my shoulder. She actually has tears in her eyes over this. She told me to tell everyone, “God bless all of you!”
Everyone has been so great. I promise to post on Kos, when my account is active, and show pictures of what was purchased,… how I spent the money.
To the person who told me to make sure I help someone else out once I’m able. I SWEAR that I will.
I am at a loss for words over this. I wish I could meet everyone of you.
Thank you for your support and cheer :)
Paul
So, I have a new friend (for life, he tells me! heh), he will soon have a new computer thanks to all the wonderful people with HUGE hearts at DKOS, I feel much better about spending my day in a way that makes me feel good (and yes, I still took calls from dolts about their 4cents so don’t gimme any grief about it!).
All’s well that ends well.
And BTW, absinth tastes HORRIBLE! Just ewww. But, a little bit made my lip feel tingly! So, just gotta get over the taste to make it worth my while. Otherwise, bummer.
Uni, you never let me down and I thank you for the opportunity to be of service.
Shout out from DKos. Wanted to stop by and say THANKS for what you did RE Paul & the computer…sign of a truly quality human being there. Good for you! Like your thoughts about the universe, too (ever read any Alan Watts…? Sounds like you might’ve). I’m with you on that.
You’ve done a lot of good today, A LOT. give yourself the cred you deserve.
also, linked you from rabidnation.com.
best,
David
ohh hooray!