Not a Martyr, Yet - Part II

Okay, I finally have a chance to write again. Imagine me sitting on a stool with a dinner tray pushed up against the window, computer resting on the sill and a stack of books underneath. This is what I do for love. Because love means your husband's ancient PC laptop that doesn't even work but was "cutting edge" when it was issued to him at West Point is sitting on its monstrosity of a "stand" on the real desk you actually own and would rather to use.

Can't wait to get that economic stimulus check because then our savings for this baby will be complete. Anyone know of a good recycling program for old honkin' Dells?


Now, onto the "Publix U.S. Bank Branch Manager and Cliff Showdown 2008". I left you hanging, didn't I? Well, about 30 minutes later Cliff returned home in one piece, no black eyes, and was noticeably calm. Here's how he said things went down...

Cliff approached the sweet teller-girl who's face fell when he introduced himself by describing me and the earlier altercation. Even teller-guy who was on the phone the entire time I was there chimed in with "Oh, Dave Ramsey, right?" It turns out Mr. Branch Manager had learned his lesson regarding public debates and kindly requested Cliff enter his office after the two were introduced. I much appreciate my husband's willingness to put aside his fervor for Dave Ramsey and let the guy know he wasn't there to defend him. He was there to defend me. Not that I needed defending, as he explained, since I'm "strong, educated, and passionate person." He reiterated those were two separate issues and that the D.R. matter was least important. What was important though, was the "inappropriate manner of conversation that took place" and the fact that his wife "left the Bank upset because of a Branch Manager who crossed the line."

Mr. Branch Manager said he had no qualms with Dave Ramsey (HA!) and that he was simply "inquiring" (how about berating me?) about his program because he has many customers and if something works, he'd love to pass along the information. He emphasized repeatedly, by interrupting Cliff, that he had not been inappropriate (then explain teller-girl apologizing when I left...) and that his branch was the numero uno (my words) producing branch in the area. Cliff said that's all well and good, but in the service industry the perception of a customer is in some fact, reality and when someone walks away feeling violated and certain they'll never return to a location, there is a distinct problem. Cliff requested a business card and told Mr. Branch Manager he would give it 24 hours before he decided whether or not we would take it a step further and make a complaint with the regional president.

So, now we're drafting a letter. Because in my mind I can only think of those families that cling to Dave Ramsey's philosophies as a last resort. For so many people, his words, his advice, and his plan offer hope. What if that situation had not taken place between me and the Branch Manager, but one of those families that feels as though the carpet might be pulled from underneath them at any moment? I could just imagine the defeat and the destruction that could do to someone. And by an individual who has NO RIGHT (in that setting) to interrogate and belittle someone for their financial choices?! I can't fault the guy for having strong opinions, certainly, but when someone comes to your bank to withdraw their own money, who are you to ruin their evening?

I mean, really.