Did we deserve what happened?!!!!!

I want to tell you a story, this happened yesterday:
My husband is a bellman at a Hotel in Palm Springs
He has to show tolerance, and good will to people of all , nationalities, sexual preference, and religious beliefs.
He was called to help a lady check out. She had on the full Indian dress. Could have been Indian, Pakistani, Afghanistanian,(not all are Shiites, so that does not mean she was of the same religion that were the hijackers.)He made no presumptions. A woman who is a practicing Doctor in this country. By his understanding.
She asked for alot of help. And a ride on the Golf Cart to the front of the Hotel. My husband is a very accomodating person(its his job to do so)
She said to him "That was a terrible thing that happened."
Policy is to not discuss anything controversial with "guests" but if it is brought up first , you may converse. Respectfully.
he said "Yes Ma'am, especially scince they used American planes, and persons to kill Americans"
He loaded her things onto the cart. She waited for him to start off. Then she said "You Americans deserve it you are so arrogant!!!"
I want to tell you I am so proud of him for keeping his temper. He told her:
"IF we were arrogant we would'nt come running to the aid of the worlds disputes"
"IF we were arrogant we would not forgive loans because poor countries could not pay it back"
"IF were arrogant we would not try to promote democracy in this world, we would keep it to ourselves"
"IF we were arrogant we would not risk our own American lives to defend helpless countries, we would say,so what, defend youself its not our problem"
"And finally MA'AM you seem to be benefiting off our American way of life here, IF we were arrogant, You would not be welcomed into our borders!"
and he slowed down to help her with her bags to the Bell Desk, and said
"Now you have yourself a nice day Ma'am"
My Hero.
the answer is NO we do NOT deserve what happened.

So what's he doing carrying people's baggage?!

I takes all kinds.

This message was edited Sunday, Sep 16th 1:35 AM

It sounds to me like your husband has lots of self control. I think he handled the situation very well and deserves a pat on the back. Not everyone would have been so polite.

Michelle, bless you and your husband. Each day is more shocking as we realize some of our citizens have no regard for Americans or America. Thank you for sharing, hope to get to know you. i think i have seen some of your pics.

michelle, I know you are so proud of him!! It took a big man to react the way he did. I can only hope that as situations come up, more people can react like he did instead of in anger.

Michele, I am proud of you and your husband too. I hope after he politely assisted her to her destination, that he informed the authorities of her statement, which was of course an act of treason in of itself.

"eyes'

Thankyou , No he didnt inform the authorities, but did tell his immediate boss.She might make a complaint against him.You would be surprised.

What a remarkably tolerant man...Sadly, I would not have been able to keep my cool
Sandy

Tig , I too do not want anyone hurt here. He did more to make her think twice before ever saying that again to anyone again.Than if he had "lost it". In her country she could never speak up to a man like that. He said she looked shocked.

I hope she went on and really thought about what he said. I've shared your story, and tell him others are proud of him too.

Michele,
You must be awfully proud of him. What an excellent response he gave, not only what he said, but how he handled himself. He helped change that woman's narrow view of Americans you can be sure. And who knows how far the ripples of her (hopefully) changed beliefs will go? I know I would never have done such a good job, and I sure as heck would have wanted too!
Congratulations on having such a smart hubby.
Robin

WOW!!! Congratulations to your husband Michele. He sounds like the epitome of diplomacy. Then of course there is me that would have bounced her luggage off her head. Thank you for sharing the story. vic

Michelle is right...women in Afghanistan are treated horribly now. This lady could of been from another country...but still what she said was a slap in the face. She seemed to be provoking a fight. I think your hubby spoke very well Michelle. I think I would have asked in a sweet way that she would be traveling home before the war then? I welcome all who love this country and would be a good citizen. I signed up in the military to keep freedom alive. People like that should be sent back. She obviously said YOU Americans...so she is obviously not where SHE BELONGS. I am glad to see this prefix American thing end too....either you're American...or go back to where you came from. When foreigners choose to live here...they must side with our country...or they should'nt be allowed citizenship here, I think.

My hat is off to your husband for being so diplomatic with her, but stating things the way they are. I have a german neighbor who still believes hitler was the greatest man alive and yet she has been a Canadian citizen for many years. She hates so much. People with that attitude towards the country should be deported. If they were not allowed to stay that terrible hijacking would not have taken place. Our flags here are still at half mast in respect and mourning for those that were lost. Take care and God Bless.
trailingon

Removed

This message was edited Monday, Sep 24th 12:11 PM