I want to start by saying that this is a true story. This really happened to me this week. The other day, while out and about running errands, I got thirsty and decided to duck into McDonalds to pickup a sweet tea. I don’t normally patronize McDonalds but it was on the way and a sweet tea sounded really good. When I got there the drive thru was very busy so I parked and went inside. When I came out I noticed a somewhat disheveled young man in his mid 20’s sitting on the side walk leaning against the building and he seemed to be muttering to himself. As I walked toward him he looked up and said “How are you doing?” Now, as a point of reference, for the last year or so we have been plagued with an inordinately high number of panhandlers here in Bakersfield. They seem to be everywhere and many of them have become very intimidating and aggressive if you don’t give them money. I know this sounds bad but I’ve found that the best way to avoid any form of aggression and chance of violence is to simply act like I can’t hear them. So far this tactic has worked very well. The couple of times they have pursued me I’ve told them that I can’t hear them and I assume that because I am so chronologically gifted they have believed me and turned and walked away. But in this case for some reason I responded “I’m doing well, how are you?” He said “I’m doing good.” About two or three steps after I had passed him he said “Hey, can you do me a favor?” and I thought, Ok, here it comes. As I turned to face him he said “If you see Nancy Pelosi would you kick her a$$?” I paused for a moment then said to him “I’m sorry, I don’t have that much time.” He looked up at me with his head cocked and a quizzical look on his face. I then said “I think that line is already quite long. I’m sure it’s already around the block at least two or three times. But what I will do is ask everyone in line to kick her extra hard for you.” It took a second but it sunk in and he laughed. He then smiled and said “Thank you. You have a good day.” I said “You’re welcome. You have a good day as well.” and then continued to my car and went on about my day of running errands. I didn’t say that this was a good story, just true. I did find this encounter funny and thought some of you might as well. You have a good day and if by chance if you should happen to run into Nancy Pelosi…
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 07:46:57 +0000
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