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The World Today.....Whats the Problem? |
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Applebee's and Drugs. Is that why the food is so good? I was changing a tire at a Shell station here in the New Orleans area, I was cold and wanted to get the job done quickly so I could spend some time relaxing at home when this smell came from around the building. As most would do, I looked over to see where it was coming from. A man was standing behind the building smoking a joint. Now I figured there are two things I could do... go inside and let the station attendent know that this was going on or even call the cops myself. I, as alot of americans these days would, choose to turn my back an ignore that it was going on. I continued to work on my tire and ignored the man. I heard something behind me and knowing that you just cant trust someone who decides to hide behind a building and smoke dope so I looked at him. He asked me "You need some help? Got a flat or need a new tire?" I just looked at him and said it was just a flat and I could fix it. Once again deciding to turn my back on the problem and not getting involved. I continued working on the tire. I did make notice that this gentelman had an Applebee's badge on. At least this man is working and not on welfare, I said to myself as I put the tire back on the car. Driving home I started thinking about my actions. What could I have done that would have made a difference. The guy was going to continue using no matter what I said and he could have tried something. I saw him walk back toward work as I pulled out of the drive. This man was going back to his job... stoned...while someone out there who dosent do drugs dosent have a job. That job that was helping some drug dealer to buy more drugs that were going to hit our streets and take someone elses life to the dumps. I was kicking myself the whole way home. I decided that I could do something aobut this, it was not to late. When I got home I picked up the phone and called Applebee's to talk with the manager. When I called I got a young lady who said she would get him. I waited for 10 min and hung up the phone and called back. I got the same lady and she said that the manager was busy and could she take a message. I told her that this could be an emergency and could she please get the manager on the phone. She said "Ok... I'll tell him.." I waited another 10 min and there was still no answer. I called again and got another woman who said "What do you need?" in a very rude tone of voice. I said "I need the manager... did you tell him this is an emergency?" She said " I told him and he wants me to take a message.". I then told her that this could consern the saftey of all the other workers and the customers in the store. She said "alright... I'll try." Finally, I would get to speak with the manager. I waited another 10 min and he picked up. I told him the story and he said that he would check into it. I dont even know if it was the manager I spoke with but I did get the number for the main office to let them know of the issue just in case. |
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My Rant: Why did it take so long for this man to take action. Now, I know what you are thinking, the manager was with other customers... he was busy... When you have someone on the phone saying that it's and emergency you need to take the call. The man smoking the dope could have caused major damages to the people around him. Lets say that this man's job is to refill containers in the back.... hey it was only a little cleaning powder that spilled in the salt container. That is not what the customer who will have to go into the hospital and possably die will say. What if this is the type of person that finally snaps because of the drugs while he is at work and takes a large knife to about 3 or 4 people before someone can stop him. This man was dangerious. Its like giving the keys to a Mac truck to a really drunk person and telling them to go drive down the highway. I am as guilty as the next person when it comes to turning my back on the problems of this world but I have decided to start taking my stand. I may not change the world, I just want to do what I can. You never know how what you do will change the life of a person. I would like to think that this man will loose his job and see that the drugs are killing his life. Maybe he will get some help to get off them but the sad truth is that most likly he will continue to use them and they will end up killing him. On the other side maybe Applebee's will hire someone who really needs that job. Someone who needs a hand up to get back on the road to feeling better about themselves. I wish the best to the drug user and I hope that Applebee's will check further into becoming a drug free place to work. Thats my rant... and Im sticking to it. |
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