SubscribeOne of the most popular parts of the local newspaper, The Herald-Mail, is the Mail Call section. It’s where people call in and leave messages about the things that concern them. To be honest, I used to think that The Herald-Mail was just making up these calls. Most of them are almost too silly and too entertaining for me to believe that they are true.
I’ve since changed my mind. I’ve realized that the Hagerstown area has no shortage of the type of people that would call into Mail Call.
Here’s one that caught my attention today:
I’m a veteran. What they should do is empty out the prisons, and all these young guys hanging on the streets, and send them to Afghanistan. They’re not doing any good on the streets where they’re at now. All the prisoners and people that’s unemployed and stuff, roaming the streets, send them to Afghanistan. Let them fight the war.
As an unemployed person, I really appreciate being grouped in with people in prison. As bad as getting laid off was two months ago, if this person was in charge, I would be on a plane right now sitting next to Bernie Madoff and Charles Manson heading to Afghanistan.
That would really suck.
Cathy
/ November 16, 2009That would, indeed, suck.
But actually, what I’m spending unnecessary time wondering is, to what does “stuff” refer? As in “unemployed and stuff.” Considering that you are, regrettably, unemployed, are you also “stuff”? Can one be “stuff” while employed, or does it go hand in hand with being jobless?
Obviously my day job as a nurse does not give me enough to think about in my leisure time…
Lee B.
/ November 16, 2009I think “stuff” is the baggage that comes with being unemployed- like you lose your edge, you no longer get over with the ladies (or men), and you switch to a lesser grade of cognac when hanging out in your smoking jacket.
People who are drinking cheap cognac should definitely be sent to Afghanistan.
Cathy
/ November 16, 2009Glad that’s been cleared up.
Now what I’m wondering is why I haven’t seen Rick out “roaming the streets.” Could it be that his smoking jacket is, appropriately for Hagerstown, made out of camouflage???? But wait, isn’t that what they wear in Afghanistan???? Oh my, this is taking a revolting turn…
Rick
/ November 16, 2009@Cathy: I think “stuff” was used instead of what he really said. I think he said, “people that’s unemployed and shit.”
It sounds much more genuine that way.
Rick
/ November 16, 2009@Lee B.: I don’t think I’ve ever had cognac.
Ryan
/ November 17, 2009I’m amazed at how evolution has allowed neanderthals to learn how to operate telephones.