Change? Yes, Please.
February 10, 2009, by Carine Fabius
Yes, thank you. I would like some change.
I’d like to get some change back for all over payments to banks—aka credit card companies—that have for decades used the flimsiest excuses to raise seductive introductory interest rates to loan shark levels that can never be repaid if you’re an average Jane. Something tells me they’re about to get their comeuppance in much grander terms than mere coins…
I would also like some change from overpriced restaurants that do offer the pleasure of a night out without having to wash dishes, but can in no way justify charging $15.00 for a hamburger plus $6.50 for valet parking. Trust me, I don’t often patronize these joints, but when you live in Los Angeles, it’s a safe bet you’ll end up in one without realizing how you got there. And while I’m on the subject, yes, I would like change back from you, Mr. Valet Parker, when I give you a $10.00 bill to pay for bringing my car around.
Hello, United Airlines, American Airlines and all you other airlines. Yes, I expect some change back when I have to cancel or reschedule a flight if I give you at least 24-hours notice. Why is it that anyone can cancel a hotel room, a car rental, return a refrigerator or just about anything else, and get their money back or at least a credit without penalties?
Hi there, Parking Violations Bureau people. Yes, I’ll take that change from the meters that grab my money but fail to work, forcing me to waste my time fighting parking tickets, just on principle.
Yes, Mr. Bush, I expect to get some change in the mail from my tax dollars spent on a stupid war that left Iraq in shambles, killed innocent civilians and soldiers and forever maimed human beings while enriching your friends. Yes, Saddam Hussein is gone, but Iraqis are still waiting for at least some spare change from all that black gold in their backyards.
And, yes, Barack Obama! I’ll take that Change, along with the hope and confidence you inspire. I’ll also take some fries to go with that Secret Weapon smile of yours!
February 10th, 2009 at 7:12 am
You’ve listed several of my pet peeves here — great rant! And you must have been visiting Royal Oak, MI, my hometown, where the parking meters eat change/don’t work, and the meter readers are always on patrol.
February 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Thanks Carine for venting some of my biggest frustrations. I think the airline industry is THE WORST!! Thanks, Ronal Reagan, for all the deregulation. Ya giant putz, ya.
February 10th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Way to go Carine! Now this is change I can get behind. And while we consider the 15 buck hamburger, can we say a little something about the $15+ glass of wine. Excuse me, but unless its a saucy little 1964 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, just charge me $6 and thank me for the 500% markup you just got away with.
February 10th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Carine, your blog reminds me of something a lot of parents say to their kids, “What do you think I’m made of? Money?” And you know what? For a long time, the money was rolling in so fast for so many of us that we wouldn’t think twice about paying that undeserved parking ticket, or not hunting down that valet parker who pocketed out $10 bill without giving change…today is a little different, eh? More realistic.
February 10th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I’d like change for the twenty I gave the Chicago cabbie when we were young and green and too intimidated by the big city to know better.
On the other hand, it was an awfully potent lesson.
February 10th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
A blog that has people my age, and women of course, but also understands some of my frustrations. Way to go, ladies. I’ll be back. You seem to understand the pulse of midlife.
February 11th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
The more I think about your rant Carine, the more “muffed” (that’s miffed, but pumped up with righteous woman anger) I become. And speaking of wine–how about $15.00 re-corking fees? What’s that? I don’t know about you all, but I’m starting to watch every penny like $crooge McDuck. So there!
February 11th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
In my neck of the woods, parking meters have been replaced by machines that suck in your credit card and spit out a printed ticket with the time your “meter” will expire. I miss the days when you could find time left by the person before you or even better, you could drop in a nickel or dime to keep a stranger from getting a ticket. Damn! No fun at all.
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Amen to the Valet Parking rates – especially in LA and Beverly Hills! And while you’re at it– Hey parking guys– Don’t change my radio station and don’t take the spare change out of my console! As for the airlines. Funny, airfares didn’t change when gas prices went down. Now there’s a change I’m down for! Keep up the rant! Awesome Job Carine