Telemarketers

You know what the problem is with telemarketers? Well, I know there's many problems, but a big one is that they don't accept the answer "No". I try to be polite when I say no, but they just keep pushing.

Tonight I was called by the benevolent order of police. Now, I'm all for the cops. Theirs is a job that I would never want and I give kudos to those who are willing to stick their necks out to protect others. You can't get much nobler than that.

I realize that many police officers are underpaid. I can totally relate to that. I'm a teacher. I'm at the top of the list when you talk about professionals that are underpaid for their job. However, I knew that going into the profession. It was a downside, but I was willing to try to do my part to make the world a better place and went into the field anyway.

The police (who, by the way are not the only civil servants that do this on a regular basis) contract a telemarketing firm to cold call people to make donations to their fund saying that it benefits the families of the fallen and those that are no longer able to serve. Heart strings sufficiently tugged, thank you. However, I can't help them. I too am an underpaid professional who is not receiving a pay increase this year due to poor economic conditions. I too have to pay for my hospital and medical insurance at a higher rate this year.

"But we're only asking for a $50 donation, ma'am". Uh huh. I understand that. However, I have my own insurance and doctor bills to pay. "Well, then maybe you'd be more comfortable with a Silver level donation of $25". Uh, no. I have a $400 electric bill to pay and I need to get to the grocery store yet. Sorry, can't do it.

So now, after they realize that this isn't going too well, "We're sorry to hear that you are having such difficulties, but perhaps you could still donate. No amount is too small. How about $10 and you'd still qualify for the sticker?" Ummm, as much as I appreciate what the police do, (and I think that sticker for my car window is totally bitchin!) I cannot help you at this time. No. No. No. No means no. Sorry.

"Well, fine then."

Yep, that's right. The guy got so pissed at me, he hung up on me.

Maybe I'll contract a telemarketing firm to collect donations for teachers. As a bonus for their donation, they can receive a sticker for their car window of a little kid with a drippy nose, empty book bag, dirty clothes, broken lunch box, and a clock with whacked out arms that says "Teachers support your kids. It's time to support them".

So don't be surprised if your phone rings and it's a telemarketer asking for your help. Give til it hurts, because after all, your kids getting the money!