Things that make you go Hmmm......

Hello, Citizen.


Let me preface this Post with a caveat; that being, though I do possess an ideology (and really who doesn't) it is not my intent to be overtly politically motivated.


What does motivate me however, is the basic principles of society and commonwealth , and by that I mean the daily stuff that gets on your nerves and makes you wonder "says Who?"


Take for instance young Fern.


This young lady, sells eggs, and her fondest wish was for her own camera. The lure of the Disney Princess 3.0 mega pixel point and shoot digital, with three inter-changeable face plates depicting a different Princess was indeed great and she saved until she had the needed twenty dollars.


A princely sum, to be sure.


Everything was cool until Dad got involved; that is installing the interactive multimedia software that Windows wouldn't recognize. Sucks to be nine and have to return your stuff to Wal-Mart just because apparently the slackers who programmed it left out something vital.

In all she keeps her chin up, sorely disappointed , but she knows the drill right?


I felt proud of her, exchanging her merchandise receiving her cash, and putting it in her purse. Meanwhile Dad is lurking about, thinking what good training this is until.......


The Clerk Asks For Her Signature.


Now, I ask you why does the largest retailer in the Known World need my daughters signature?

(Actually, I asked The Clerk this)


I have this theory/suspicion that most people will do what you ask of them, especially if you are in uniform ( and apparently little blue smocks with smiley faces qualify for uniform status).


Poor little Fern, my sweet, is standing poised, pen in hand, when I drop this 'bomb'. I get blank stares all around. Mom, Fern, The Clerk, Key Holder and Supreme Commander of Wal-Mart Checkout, and the smiley face are all wondering the same thing.


What?


I mean who cares? Who cares that she's a minor? Who cares that no signature issued by her can be valid. Ever. Who cares that this so-called necessary signature must be handled by HER PARENTS.

The Transaction must go on.

Key Holder is trying to pretend she didn't hear the question. Apparently the mauve vest does give her authority over blue vests and gullible Citizens, it does not have printed on the polyester label any answers to legitimate questions. She looks a Smiley Face. Smiley Face says "Have a Nice Day."


The Clerk sees Key holder consulting her navel, and assumes command.

"She has to sign to show she received the money!" Bright smile on her face, but her eyes say,"succumb to the power vested in me by this blue, um, vest and go away"


Time for the Big Question.

If it doesn't matter if the signature is valid, why do you need one at all?


The Clerk, seeing her polyester authority provides no protection, stammers
"well no kid could ever return things then!"


Now its my turn to smile big, but my eyes say " No Shit,Sherlock".

By now, Key Holder is fishing for her Mace, Agent K has four kids gathered up-wind and Fern has signed the worthless document anyway.


As we walk to our awaiting Suburban, I lose some of my self confidence. For some reason, I need affirmation from someone I respect.


I turn to K and ask, "was I out of line there?"
"no" She says," thank you! Some people never think about what they do; or why."


I think old Smiley Face had it right.....



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