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It felt very good to tell the Sprint Roadside Service representative from AAA National that he was out of his mind.

Was even more fun when I held the phone out to my partner Bob with the statement--"Hey Bob--they're sending another call!!" said with great derision and less then concealed gloating. Ah let them hear the smile in your voice on the phone--yippy skippy.

Bob gasped with disbelief and said "Whaaatt!!!"

To which I then told the thoroughly unamused clerk two words--"Hear that?"

If ever relations between organizations could be handled with mutual diginity and respect this was not going to be the night.

It all started about an hour or so with John Doe who had been entertaining himself at Taylor's Tavern in Enon OH. John Doe finished making his financial contributions to the economy and less so to the social environment and proceeded to discover for some reason his car was not starting. Whether this was based on operator incapacity or a real internal problem is neither here nor there. He was a proud member of the Sprint Roadside Assistance Program and (unlike many) knew what his privileges were. All the loopholes. We at AAA were about to find out also.

Now their members share one thing in commmon with AAA members in that they receive four service calls per membership year. He was entitled a hook up and three miles free before paying for over miles. His first destination request was approximately 11 miles away. This did not please John Doe at all. A certain lack of monetary funds became an issue. He changes the address which gains him a two mile advantage. Still not satisfied at the concept of paying for six miles he comes up with a wonderful solution. Consecutive tows.

This is a novel concept occasionally tried by AAA members wanting to tow a vehicle two or three hundred miles at a time and cut down on the costs. A big no-no where we are concerned.

To my astonishment Sprint backs this idea up and the clerk I'm talking to continues to treat me as the backward step-son which just added fuel to the flames of snideness dripping from my every tone.

The Sprint rep tells me he can use his four calls anyway he wants whenever he wants. My scorn for this skirting of the rules are in no way hidden and another tow ticket pops up on the screen. I mention to the clerk that we are talking 9 miles now sure you don't want a third freebie? I'm starting to wonder how I'll word my defense tomorrow when the Rich did you attitude a call rep from National again last night? chew out time comes.

To my surprise the clerk puts me on hold and chats with his meal ticket. Comes back a bit changed in attitude--he finally figured out how drunk the fellow was. We had been on location with Bozo Breath about 40 minutes arguing about the tow fees. In fairness to the Sprint clerk I never got a chance to tell him that but was getting set to any moment as I was seriously contemplating getting an extra call for having to wait around. Bob is more patient about this sort of thing then I am. After 15 minutes it would have been get in the tow truck or call us when you are ready to talk turkey. Bye.

I waive the extra call --if Tami is sharp Monday she'll ask for it. Today comes and I don't even mention it to her.

The tow ended up being eight miles. I totally forget to ask the driver if he collected the extra two miles since six of them have been covered. My interest in the drama had been depleted by then.

Bob and I considered advising future members of this entitlement all in the spirit of being helpful but not sure it would be appreciated.

I really love my job--I really love my job.