But Not

The election is over.

The people have spoken.

And democracy is alive and well!

HOWEVER

Based on this Monday morning’s experience I cannot help but believe that if a third nonpolitical party was formed with a leader claiming to eliminate all automated customer service phone calls, there would be a national landslide in his or her or its favor.

My need for information via phone began at 9 a.m. est.

It is now 1:30 p.m. and I have finally spoken to a living, breathing human being.

I have provided more information to the identical digital voices than ever given to most friends or family.

The reason for the calls was not complicated. The issues were merely routine but necessary.

One was required to confirm coverage with a long time credit card agency .

The other was needed to obtain verification from a medical insurance provider before an upcoming appointment.

During the last four hours I have spelled my last name over and over and over again (sometimes shamefully wishing my beloved had been called John Smith).

Even the simplistic Anne with an e seemed to present a major problem for some of the consistently impatient computer voices

I endlessly repeated my date of birth foolishly believing I aged with each recitation.

I shed tears after being informed by one digital expert that I did not exist.

For a brief moment I wondered if it or they were right. Robots are never wrong are they?

I literally trembled with joy at noon when I finally heard a human voice.

After another lengthy recitation of both my personal history and vital statistics, the same disinterested human being informed me I must now speak to a manager.

However, since none was available, the suggestion was that I call back another day.

The land line I use is battery operated and wearier than I, so we both chose to put a hold on resolving the issue. .

When or if that ever becomes possible, I hope I have both patience or strength as well as wisdom and energy.

But not today. Not today!