mark handler
SAWHORSE
Buisnesses spend thousands trying to get customers in the store
http://www.salina.com/opinion/letters/the-loss-of-a-long-time-customer/article_2ba2d91b-4275-5754-8534-9f1997e0166f.html
The loss of a long-time customer
he Americans with Disabilities Act has been in effect for about 25 years, yet there are still businesses that refuse accessibility to all. The other day, I made the suggestion to a business owner, quietly and mannerly, that the yellow steel ramp going into the establishment was too steep to the point of being dangerous for people in wheelchairs.
Evidently, taking offense at my suggestion, he wanted an argument and saw a target. He verbally lit into me like flies on fresh manure. Even when I attempted to speak, he raised his voice in anger and told me to “shut up.” Not once, but several times. The “gentleman,” well over 6 feet tall, finds it easy to insult customers in wheelchairs who help make his business possible.
When I quietly said to him, “You evidently have a problem and you should just take a deep breath and walk away,” he did, but turned and followed me to my van and brow beat me again. For a moment, when he became very angry, I was concerned that he might have a seizure or attempt to strike me, but he eventually stormed away still mumbling to himself.
I only spoke up. I said my piece quietly and clearly. I don’t surrender to anger. With moisture, the steep ramp becomes very slippery. The dangerous ramp should be corrected, not only for people with disabilities, but for employees, seniors and the general public who make his business possible.
If not corrected, the ramp could injure someone. Are a few bucks in a welding addition worth the loss of a long-time customer?
— RON ALEXANDER, Gypsum
http://www.salina.com/opinion/letters/the-loss-of-a-long-time-customer/article_2ba2d91b-4275-5754-8534-9f1997e0166f.html
The loss of a long-time customer
he Americans with Disabilities Act has been in effect for about 25 years, yet there are still businesses that refuse accessibility to all. The other day, I made the suggestion to a business owner, quietly and mannerly, that the yellow steel ramp going into the establishment was too steep to the point of being dangerous for people in wheelchairs.
Evidently, taking offense at my suggestion, he wanted an argument and saw a target. He verbally lit into me like flies on fresh manure. Even when I attempted to speak, he raised his voice in anger and told me to “shut up.” Not once, but several times. The “gentleman,” well over 6 feet tall, finds it easy to insult customers in wheelchairs who help make his business possible.
When I quietly said to him, “You evidently have a problem and you should just take a deep breath and walk away,” he did, but turned and followed me to my van and brow beat me again. For a moment, when he became very angry, I was concerned that he might have a seizure or attempt to strike me, but he eventually stormed away still mumbling to himself.
I only spoke up. I said my piece quietly and clearly. I don’t surrender to anger. With moisture, the steep ramp becomes very slippery. The dangerous ramp should be corrected, not only for people with disabilities, but for employees, seniors and the general public who make his business possible.
If not corrected, the ramp could injure someone. Are a few bucks in a welding addition worth the loss of a long-time customer?
— RON ALEXANDER, Gypsum