Readers Write: The phone call blues

The Island Now

This concerns what we all go through as consumers in this modern day society. The phone is one of my gripes. Now for instance, you make a phone call to check on something — whether it be a call to a department store, credit card company, doctor, hospital, school, newspaper even a local church-and you are either put on hold by a machine or are given a list of numerical options that goes into double digits. 

Now when you finally get to the right option you’ve cut off or put back on hold and might even have to start all again because you were a bit too slow in selecting one of the options ! 

Well, what’s that all about ? We have such sophisticated technology, but we seem to be losing some tangible quality know as the human touch. 

I think it would be a wonderful thing if we could talk to a fellow human being who would say,” Can I help you.” It is no surprise that there is so much road rage out there. Could it be because people can’t fight machines and just lash out on their neighbors ? 

Next time you make a call and hear a list of options, like a list of departments or you’re asked for your name  and the reason for the call by a machine, consider adding your own option: And press “G” for God help us all. 

Remember this too: You can always start your day over after hanging up the phone. Yes, that’s right !

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Glen Oaks Village

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