Wednesday, November 19, 2008

OUR NEW NATIONAL ANTHEM

Someone from the message boards at Eric Carmen's web site. Eric, of course, is best known for his work with Raspberries, as well as solo hits All by Myself, Never Gonna Fall in Love Again, and Hungry Eyes.

Very appropriate for this economy, eh?


On another economic note - my wife pointed me to this article from WJAR-TV (Providence) Channel 10's website where a lady was threatened with a lien over a bill for - get this - a PENNY!

The Associated Press
Published: November 18, 2008

ATTLEBORO, Mass.—A 74-year-old blind Attleboro woman was shocked when she got a letter from the city saying a lien would be placed on her home unless she pays an overdue water bill.

The amount? 1 cent.

Eileen Wilbur told The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro the letter sent her blood pressure soaring, and pointed out that the stamp to send the letter cost 42 cents.

City Collector Debora Marcoccio said the letter was among 2,000 sent out. She said a computer automatically prints letters for accounts with an overdue balance, and they were not reviewed by staff before being mailed.

The letter warned of a lien and a $48 penalty if the bill is not paid by Dec. 10.

Marcoccio insists the bill be paid.

Wilbur’s daughter, Rose Brederson, called the situation “ridiculous.”

Wednesday Note:
There is a follow-up to this story! After hearing about Wilbur’s story, a local man went to city hall and paid Eileen Wilbur’s bill.

How low can a city go? Over a lousy freakin' penny!

Peace,
BMP

1 comment:

Dymphna said...

Yep. That's a song a whole lot of us will have to sing but remember the last line.