Shame on the Shamers!! Facebook status that is reallly peaving me off...

There is a status people are putting up on Facebook saying shame on Americans for helping the people of Haiti because there are people who need help in the US. I must respond to this!

Wow, Americans are being shamed because they donated to help a country DEVISTATED by a natural disaster. Where 100s of thousands are STILL buried in the rubble. There ARE millions of Americans that live on or below the poverty line, however there are many people who not only donate $, but also volunteer to help correct that horrible situation. What keeps our people in poverty is the government and politicians who are in special interest's pockets and the constituents who put them there. We live in a country with the mentality of instant gratification - "fix/change it NOW". The politicians who are actually trying to fix things aren't given enough time to put programs into place or those programs aren't given enough time to truly work.

I wholeheartedly agree that more can be done at home to help Americans who need it, but the way to do it is NOT to chastise those who so graciously gave to help these people, many of whom live in poverty just as those in America do. I work for an agency that's sole purpose is to help those in poverty get out of it. I, myself know the taste of government cheese, free lunch and grew up knowing the difference between a food stamp and real money. We all already give money to help end poverty in this country...it's called taxes, the problem is we don't allow our government to spend it on the programs that are needed to fight the problem. When the government wants to do something like say, oh a PUBLIC OPTION for healthcare, they are shot down by the people because it's just too 'socialist'. Never mind the fact that one bad accident can put a family in such a state of poverty that they can never escape it. People don't go into poverty because they had plasic surgery or any other kind that is 'elective', the medical bills and expenses are for needed care.

People should give money or volunteer time to help those less fortunate because it's the right thing to do. Many people feel better about donating to those who've been in a disaster in another country because the don't have to take the responsibilty for helping make an actual long-term change, such as is needed to end poverty here in America. Don't shame people for doing what's right, shame people for being greedy or turning a blind eye as to what REALLY puts people in poverty.

The Rules of Customer Service or "How To Be A Good Customer Rather Than An Ass"

Ah, the 'holiday' season! The time when people trample others to get that 'elusive' gift or deal. I work in retail part-time. I used to do it full time, but once I realized I was more angry than not and it was due to my work, I found an office job where the annoyances could be contained, or I could at least shut my door to avoid them for awhile. There is something that always has bothered me, especially since I am also a consumer. The expectations by some customers that you're supposed to wipe their asses and then thank them for the privilege. I do not, nor have I ever had to: take a surly attitude, be disrespected or have to pick up after you like I'm your maid. It is not amongst my job requirements to be talked down to, to be called names or be treated like an inferior life form because you didn't read the fine print. We live in a society were everyone is a consumer. That is not going to stop in our 'land of the free' and home of the 'American (capitalist) Dream". Threaten to take your business elsewhere, if no one at any store takes your shit, then what will you do? Will you start growing your own food? Weaving your own clothes? Doubtful. The kind of people who already do that sort of thing are already kind customers who understand that simply because they are spending money doesn't entitle them to be treated as a king would by a serf. So, here are the rules.

As an employee of a retail establishment I promise to:

• Greet you nicely and offer assistance in your purchasing venture

• Answer any questions you have to the best of my knowledge and seek out the answer if I don't know it

• Explain policies of the store such as regarding returns/exchanges, gift cards, rental accounts, special orders, etc.

• Direct you to another establishment that may have the item you are seeking if we don't have and can't get it for you in an effort to assist you even if that means you spend money elsewhere

• Keep myself aware of any specials that may be taking place in order to inform you to the best of my ability

• Ring you out at the cash register and send you off with a thank you, have a great day/holiday, or some other suitable sentiment

Your requirements as a Customer are this:

• Acknowledge my greeting and accept/reject my offer of assistance politely. If you need assistance later, please ask for it. Don't stand around not making eye contact and saying nothing. I won't know you need assistance unless you tell me so.

• Give me the opportunity to answer you or permit me a moment to find the answer.

• Accept my explanation of store policies. Do not give me the 3rd degree about why they are the way they are or about how another associate didn't follow that policy last time. I am not one of the bigwigs in corporate, I don't make the policies, it's just my job to follow them. Also, don't give me a hard time by taking up my time digressing on other establishment's policies and how they are better or different. Lastly, if you didn't adhere to a policy, that is not my fault.

• Not expect me to be your personal shopper. There aren't enough associates to do this for all customers and you are not the only one I have to assist.

• Politely tell me of a promotion I may have overlooked or not known about. Some of us may only work one or two days a week and upon coming in to work, weren't apprised of new specials due to how busy the store is or being approached by you before even clocking in

• Not yell or act as if I am trying to cheat you if the register has the wrong price. Nicely let me know there is a difference and I can correct it for you. I do not program the registers, some unknown entity in a different town does that

• Finally, treat me with respect. You may not know the circumstances of a situation and being hateful and mean will do nothing to fix any perceived injustice on your part.

No one likes to be treated like crap, especially not for minimum wage. There is also a perception that just because a person works at a retail establishment they are either a teenager/young adult or not too bright. Well I got news for you bub, I'm neither. I work part time in retail to pay for my college education. During the day I work in the finance department of a non-profit that helps people. I'm not stupid, I'm not beneath you in any way and I won't put up with your shit.