Foaming At The Mouth
We Thank You For Your Support
I probably forgo writing something here half a dozen times for every time I actually do. Simply because so many of the things I might say would make me sound like a crank. But now I've got one of those "What Really Grinds My Gears" rants welling up.
I head out on my way to the gym and two blocks away, at Clark and Dearborn, I spot them. Now I hesitate to be critical of these fine people; they're just trying to do some good in this world. And I don't doubt that some within the sound of my voice might be some of those I'm about to complain about. Or at the very least in sympathy with them. But it's the boys and girls who try to drum up support for environmental causes.
Assuming you don't know what I'm talking about, imagine a group of well-groomed college student types, with matching blue t-shirts and slim plastic binders. So far, no problems. My gripe is that they stand either two or four-abreast facing opposite directions on the sidewalk, effectively setting up a sidewalk roadblock -- you can't go past that spot on the sidewalk, in either direction, with going past them.
And they're not about to let you go unbidden. Everyone who approaches gets a hearty wave and a ringing loud "Hello" so only the surliest pedestrians would ignore them completely. After that, the pitch: "Do you have a minute for the environment". I have an answer at the ready: "I do, but I don't have any money." Quite frankly it's the truth. But that's not the point. I'm just irked at the aggressiveness of it all.
At least it seems like an honest pitch. I'm flat-out belligerent with the shady-looking minorities on el platforms or at bus stops that pretend to be fundraising for AIDS research or battered womens' shelters. I fell for it once about a dozen years ago, back before I was as cynical as I am today, and now every 'representative' who looks like he escaped from the rogues' gallery down at the police station is considered to be asking for trouble.
Anyway, I do generally try to contribute to the environment. I use public transportation, am unfailingly diligent at recycling, and do not waste power on unnecessary appliances. After all, doesn't charity begin at home?
We Thank You For Your Support
I probably forgo writing something here half a dozen times for every time I actually do. Simply because so many of the things I might say would make me sound like a crank. But now I've got one of those "What Really Grinds My Gears" rants welling up.
I head out on my way to the gym and two blocks away, at Clark and Dearborn, I spot them. Now I hesitate to be critical of these fine people; they're just trying to do some good in this world. And I don't doubt that some within the sound of my voice might be some of those I'm about to complain about. Or at the very least in sympathy with them. But it's the boys and girls who try to drum up support for environmental causes.
Assuming you don't know what I'm talking about, imagine a group of well-groomed college student types, with matching blue t-shirts and slim plastic binders. So far, no problems. My gripe is that they stand either two or four-abreast facing opposite directions on the sidewalk, effectively setting up a sidewalk roadblock -- you can't go past that spot on the sidewalk, in either direction, with going past them.
And they're not about to let you go unbidden. Everyone who approaches gets a hearty wave and a ringing loud "Hello" so only the surliest pedestrians would ignore them completely. After that, the pitch: "Do you have a minute for the environment". I have an answer at the ready: "I do, but I don't have any money." Quite frankly it's the truth. But that's not the point. I'm just irked at the aggressiveness of it all.
At least it seems like an honest pitch. I'm flat-out belligerent with the shady-looking minorities on el platforms or at bus stops that pretend to be fundraising for AIDS research or battered womens' shelters. I fell for it once about a dozen years ago, back before I was as cynical as I am today, and now every 'representative' who looks like he escaped from the rogues' gallery down at the police station is considered to be asking for trouble.
Anyway, I do generally try to contribute to the environment. I use public transportation, am unfailingly diligent at recycling, and do not waste power on unnecessary appliances. After all, doesn't charity begin at home?