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flamin lib

(14,559 posts)
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 06:47 PM Nov 2012

Well, it finally cost me to be outspoken.

I was approached in the local grocery store parking lot by a panhandler. Said he didn't have any gas money for his car, only a $10 Canadian bill and did I have any spare change. I said no but there is a bank right across the parking lot that will exchange the Canadian money. Then he saw my truck tailgate:

and launched into an anti Obama tirade and how I was a socialist who hated America etc. so I said whatever and took my two year old grand daughter into the store for a few items as he drove away in a late model Honda Accord.

When I came out there was a note on the windshield, "Your left front tire is flat. Hope the rest of your day goes better." The tire had a one inch slash in it, 'bout the size of an average pocket knife.

Seems the irony of begging for money while being for smaller government was lost on him. I will use my smart phone to take pictures of anyone who panhandles me in the future.

$270 bucks for a new tire.

74 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Well, it finally cost me to be outspoken. (Original Post) flamin lib Nov 2012 OP
Sounds like someone who's in need of medical care. knitter4democracy Nov 2012 #1
As long as he pays for it HIMSELF x2 vancouverite Nov 2012 #23
That is disgusting, and wrong. I am sorry and outraged for you. CaliforniaPeggy Nov 2012 #2
Yeah, that's why I don't put political stuff on my car. Lex Nov 2012 #3
I go back and forth. My car saw all 4 of its tires flattened in May 2002, parked on Pacific coalition_unwilling Nov 2012 #10
Yep and I frequently have children with me and live in a very red area Horse with no Name Nov 2012 #22
How awful. I'm so sorry. Cleita Nov 2012 #4
How big of a city do you live in? gollygee Nov 2012 #5
I'd ask the store if the parking lot runs security cameras. noamnety Nov 2012 #6
^^this^^ Care Acutely Nov 2012 #41
I would see if they will reimburse you since it was a panhandler on their property and they should Michigan Alum Nov 2012 #74
Not a panhandler, a swindler, a grifter, a con man.. Fumesucker Nov 2012 #7
Did you check to see if there was video of the parking lot? tblue Nov 2012 #8
Sorry about your tire MagickMuffin Nov 2012 #9
Sorry but there's anger/evil on both sides "Officer accused of damaging pro-Bush cars" jody Nov 2012 #11
Yes, I'm sure flamin lib really needed to know right off the bat that "both sides do it", Quantess Nov 2012 #12
Gee thanks, Mr. Gungeon .... Trajan Nov 2012 #33
This message was self-deleted by its author devilgrrl Nov 2012 #34
My candidate was elected president. I hope all who voted for him will help him unite a divided jody Nov 2012 #46
This message was self-deleted by its author devilgrrl Nov 2012 #49
Interesting response. hrmjustin Nov 2012 #42
That article was from 2005. Was it your car that he vandalized or are you just holding onto this denverbill Nov 2012 #51
.. Cha Nov 2012 #57
oh, snap. Quantess Nov 2012 #58
Sorry about your tire. He sounds like a libertarian brat and a real creep since he took advantage of freshwest Nov 2012 #13
I was blocked and held on a narrow country road NV Whino Nov 2012 #14
that's horrible renate Nov 2012 #15
Damn near impossible ... GeorgeGist Nov 2012 #16
A one-inch gash Art_from_Ark Nov 2012 #18
You aren't getting that tire from the dealer, are you? bluedigger Nov 2012 #17
almost 2x too much... n/t ProdigalJunkMail Nov 2012 #21
that's so awful. Liberal_in_LA Nov 2012 #19
Love the tail gate Berserker Nov 2012 #20
Depending on how old the tire is, dflprincess Nov 2012 #26
but that ain't what he/she said. ret5hd Nov 2012 #28
I once had to replace two tires because I ran over something on the freeway dflprincess Nov 2012 #36
Stay safe out there, the nuts are completely unhinged! Odin2005 Nov 2012 #24
I live in a really Repub area and got pulled witha Kerry bumpersticker over for going +15 Michigan Alum Nov 2012 #25
I generally don't have bumper stickers on my car. SheilaT Nov 2012 #37
Is this you? whistler162 Nov 2012 #69
No. But I'll take that as a compliment. SheilaT Nov 2012 #71
Oh man, that is awful. Chorophyll Nov 2012 #27
Man, I own a 2008 Nissan Frontier sadbear Nov 2012 #29
I'd plan on between $600-800, at most. bluedigger Nov 2012 #44
Thanks! sadbear Nov 2012 #47
Did you check to see if there were store cameras aimed at the parking lot? Baitball Blogger Nov 2012 #30
I wonder if the parking lot cameras didn't record something. Maybe they could get LaydeeBug Nov 2012 #31
File a police report... Jeff In Milwaukee Nov 2012 #32
I agree 1gobluedem Nov 2012 #70
I saw almost zero bumper stickers this time around tavernier Nov 2012 #35
Ahh, you poor thing. :( Gods piss on him! nt cecilfirefox Nov 2012 #38
I took my HRC (equals sign) off of my car after the 2nd time it was keyed. It makes me sad rDigital Nov 2012 #39
How do you know it was the same person? jberryhill Nov 2012 #40
So sorry to hear about this. hrmjustin Nov 2012 #43
Sorry about your tire rl6214 Nov 2012 #45
Trust me you will see that one again. mstinamotorcity2 Nov 2012 #48
You will probably find him in the same parking lot SaveAmerica Nov 2012 #50
does the store have camera's outside warrior1 Nov 2012 #52
Yep, Rider3 Nov 2012 #53
I think your car is vile. i am thee modren man Nov 2012 #54
Enjoy your.. um, I mean, bye! Flying Squirrel Nov 2012 #55
you are wrong--and if anyone on the right is freaked out, they are wrong librechik Nov 2012 #56
Don't feel threatened. reflection Nov 2012 #60
you sound upset JI7 Nov 2012 #63
welcome to DU! quinnox Nov 2012 #65
Cool Styx reference in your username completely offset by inane post DisgustipatedinCA Nov 2012 #66
Thus says the person whose hobby is trolling DU from the library Warren DeMontague Nov 2012 #72
That sucks, flamin lib.. A brainwashed teabagger Cha Nov 2012 #59
The OEM tires for your truck are $138 a pop on tirerack.com LeftyMom Nov 2012 #61
What a rotten thing to do lunatica Nov 2012 #62
That has to be fake , no way are you driving around with that on your truck. former-republican Nov 2012 #64
One helluva pocket knife. deaniac21 Nov 2012 #67
That kind of thing is why I never put anything political on my cars or house. nt Raine Nov 2012 #68
If it's any consolation, I've told your story to several people and they were all disgusted. Michigan Alum Nov 2012 #73

CaliforniaPeggy

(149,296 posts)
2. That is disgusting, and wrong. I am sorry and outraged for you.
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 06:53 PM
Nov 2012

He is worthless scum.

I am sorry about the tire, and the time you had to spend to get it fixed.

 

coalition_unwilling

(14,180 posts)
10. I go back and forth. My car saw all 4 of its tires flattened in May 2002, parked on Pacific
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 07:08 PM
Nov 2012

Coast Highway in Malibu of all places, probably b/c of my anti-Bush and anti-war bumper stickers. I came out one morning to find my car, parked on Venice Blvd., had its radio antenna bent over at a 90-degree angle to the car. (Don't remember when the radio antenna incident occurred.)

I look at it as the price I paid for exercising my right to free speech and it seemed to me that it was more important to make my statements at the time I made them than to be a stealth subversive and protect my car.

Don't mean to come across as self righteous. I do feel very badly for the OP and, if he or she is in Texas, as the avatar suggests, he or she may want to follow your advice.

Horse with no Name

(33,956 posts)
22. Yep and I frequently have children with me and live in a very red area
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 11:01 PM
Nov 2012

these folks are nuts. Many are unhinged and need medication.

I am very careful to be as neutral as I can.

It shouldn't be that way, but it is.

Cleita

(75,480 posts)
4. How awful. I'm so sorry.
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 06:55 PM
Nov 2012

In the future tell panhandlers you don't carry cash. That usually gets rid of them. I feel bad for those who are in genuine need but there are also those who make a business of it and can be nasty if you refuse them.

gollygee

(22,336 posts)
5. How big of a city do you live in?
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 06:56 PM
Nov 2012

Because that's against the law and in a smaller town the police will know who the panhandlers are by description.

I'm usually on the side of people who need to ask strangers for money, but not people who start slashing tires.

 

noamnety

(20,234 posts)
6. I'd ask the store if the parking lot runs security cameras.
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 06:58 PM
Nov 2012

If they can get a good image of him, they might be able to have employees call the cops if he reappears.

Michigan Alum

(335 posts)
74. I would see if they will reimburse you since it was a panhandler on their property and they should
Thu Nov 29, 2012, 04:40 AM
Nov 2012

Have security if they have panhandling vandals on their premises. Normally, I don't "rat out" panhandlers but in this case, I would make a definite exception.

Fumesucker

(45,851 posts)
7. Not a panhandler, a swindler, a grifter, a con man..
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 06:59 PM
Nov 2012

The guy drove away in a late model Accord, they don't give those away in Cracker Jack boxes any more.

tblue

(16,350 posts)
8. Did you check to see if there was video of the parking lot?
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 07:01 PM
Nov 2012

Maybe they can identify the vehicle. That was a crime that creep committed.

I think it's always a risk to get into it with a stranger in public. (I should know. I have a BIG, BIG MOUTH!) If you walk away leaving your property out of your sight, anything can happen. I'm very sorry. Just be careful. It will probably never happen again, but just be careful.

MagickMuffin

(15,886 posts)
9. Sorry about your tire
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 07:04 PM
Nov 2012

You could also besides taking a picture, is psyche them out by only getting to the door and then going back to your truck. It might cause them to drive away without further attention to their desires of retribution for your politics.


There is a Vet who hangs out in front of a dollar store near us. He watches our bikes even though we usually lock them. He always seemed really nice. Just him and his dog sit there for who knows how many hours a day.

He says he is homeless. My hubby talked to him one day and it appears he is also uninformed but knows everything. He is antiObama, and ever so clueless.


Quantess

(27,630 posts)
12. Yes, I'm sure flamin lib really needed to know right off the bat that "both sides do it",
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 07:23 PM
Nov 2012

after personally being a victim of vandalism. You really know how to empathize with people, don't you?
Tactless comment.

 

Trajan

(19,089 posts)
33. Gee thanks, Mr. Gungeon ....
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 11:59 PM
Nov 2012

You provide the 'Fair and Balanced' DU that we all truly want !



Response to jody (Reply #11)

 

jody

(26,624 posts)
46. My candidate was elected president. I hope all who voted for him will help him unite a divided
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 09:26 AM
Nov 2012

nation.

Response to jody (Reply #46)

denverbill

(11,489 posts)
51. That article was from 2005. Was it your car that he vandalized or are you just holding onto this
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 01:19 PM
Nov 2012

article for some other reason?

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
13. Sorry about your tire. He sounds like a libertarian brat and a real creep since he took advantage of
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 07:30 PM
Nov 2012

the fact that you had your grandchild with you. People don't get into arguments with a little one, and he knew that. As a grandparent, you were maybe older than him, and he took advantage of that to bully you. This guy had a sense of entitlement and was not without means, but thought you were a soft touch should give him money since he was too important to go into the bank and take care of his own business.

I hope you saved the note, the cost of the replacement of the tire, anything you remember about his appearance, vehicle and report to the police that he left both you and your grandchild stranded and you had to pay for the damages to leave the store and get home. I hope the store or someone recorded or noted this.

He'll do it again, most likely, if he gets away with this. He needs to be called to account. Consider if it had been late at night or an emergency. The amount of hatred libertarians have for Democrats was fully detailed in this article. It's a really ugly piece, and I suspect your attacker believes all of this and is probably bragging online right now about what he did to you and your grandchild:

The end of liberty in America: Only course of action now is to fight back, electoral politics not working

Time to tell any Democrats you know to fuck off and die

by Eric Dondero

http://www.libertarianrepublican.net/2012/11/the-end-of-liberty-in-america-only.html

NV Whino

(20,886 posts)
14. I was blocked and held on a narrow country road
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 08:23 PM
Nov 2012

Because one of the residents took offense to my anti Bush bumper sticker. He finally gave up and let me pass. A previous car got keyed presumably because of a bumper sticker.

Te world has become a crazy place.

renate

(13,776 posts)
15. that's horrible
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 08:28 PM
Nov 2012

What a purely nasty thing to do. I'm really sorry, for the expense and for the way you must be feeling.

I do love the picture on the right.



bluedigger

(17,077 posts)
17. You aren't getting that tire from the dealer, are you?
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 10:39 PM
Nov 2012

That seems like too much for a light truck tire. Shop around.

dflprincess

(28,057 posts)
26. Depending on how old the tire is,
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 11:51 PM
Nov 2012

you can wind up having to replace two even if only one is damaged just to keep them even (for lack of a better term).

dflprincess

(28,057 posts)
36. I once had to replace two tires because I ran over something on the freeway
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 12:04 AM
Nov 2012

that destroyed one of them. I referred to it as $200/ for a tire even though I got two out of the deal. (Though it happened quite a while ago & that price did include labor).

Not that that is what the OP meant, it's what I was thinking about when I saw the price mentioned and just decided to "blurt" (as much as one can blurt when typing) it out.

Michigan Alum

(335 posts)
25. I live in a really Repub area and got pulled witha Kerry bumpersticker over for going +15
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 11:45 PM
Nov 2012

I thought I was screwed but not only did he let me off, he was very pleasant and only kept me for several minutes. I was totally shocked. So sometimes these bumper stickers work out....

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
37. I generally don't have bumper stickers on my car.
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 12:59 AM
Nov 2012

Whenever I get pulled over, my gray hair and obvious age work in my favor. I know that I'm the age of the cop's mother, or maybe even grandmother, and I'm always very nice and apologetic and I never get a ticket. I was once doing about 90 in rural northeastern New Mexico. I think the speed limit was 70. Cop passed me, turned around and pulled me over, but only gave me a nice talking to.

My young sons (25 and 29) get tickets. And they are, I'm quite sure, always nice and polite also.

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
71. No. But I'll take that as a compliment.
Thu Nov 29, 2012, 03:16 AM
Nov 2012

I am definitely NOT the Little Old Lady From Pasadena.

I often drive above the speed limit. But I do it judiciously, paying attention to where I am. In a 25 or 30 mph zone I keep to the speed limit. In a 35 mph zone I'll do just under 40. And so on. Even though they really can bust you for doing 1 mile above the speed limit, most cops really don't care until you're doing more than that. Unless they need to fill some kind of silly quota.

But I really do not look like anybody's idea of a Little Old Lady, even with the gray hair.

sadbear

(4,340 posts)
29. Man, I own a 2008 Nissan Frontier
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 11:57 PM
Nov 2012

And I'm going to need 4 new tires within the next twelve months. Is it going to cost me more than a thousand bucks?!?

bluedigger

(17,077 posts)
44. I'd plan on between $600-800, at most.
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 03:02 AM
Nov 2012

I think the OP replaced a factory stock tire with an identical one - those typically cost more because they are special runs for the vehicle manufacturer. They aren't any better, but they "match". If you really want to save $, consider a set of retreads. I have heard good things about Treadwright in the Jeep community; depending on what you want you could probably get 4 for under $400, plus shipping. They have been around for years and sound reputable. You do have to plan ahead, however, as their stock varies, and you may get put on a waiting list. https://www.treadwright.com/default.aspx

sadbear

(4,340 posts)
47. Thanks!
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 10:29 AM
Nov 2012

$600 sounds reasonable. (I actually went on Discount Tire and Sam's Club to price me some new tires after I saw the $270 price tag.)

 

LaydeeBug

(10,291 posts)
31. I wonder if the parking lot cameras didn't record something. Maybe they could get
Mon Nov 26, 2012, 11:58 PM
Nov 2012

a partial license plate or something?

I am so sorry this happened to you.

1gobluedem

(6,664 posts)
70. I agree
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 07:57 PM
Nov 2012

Check out other similar parking lots too. I've been approached by the same guy with the same story in three different parking lots.

Sorry that happened to you.

tavernier

(12,322 posts)
35. I saw almost zero bumper stickers this time around
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 12:04 AM
Nov 2012

It's a different world. I truly blame fox news. They incite the right wing loonies to vandalism, and at the same time insinuate that it is the wild eyed liberals who are prone to violence. Everyone is afraid of everyone else.

 

rDigital

(2,239 posts)
39. I took my HRC (equals sign) off of my car after the 2nd time it was keyed. It makes me sad
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 02:36 AM
Nov 2012

that people are so hateful. Now I keep my cars sterile of any bumper stickers or what not.

 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
40. How do you know it was the same person?
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 02:40 AM
Nov 2012

Maybe I skimmed a detail, but what is the basis for your conclusion that the panhandler and the tire slasher were the same person?

mstinamotorcity2

(1,451 posts)
48. Trust me you will see that one again.
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 11:37 AM
Nov 2012

He will be at another place of business panhandling. Too stupid to do anything else. It didn't cost you the truth. It didn't cost you fear. It didn't cost you your integrity. It didn't cost you your dignity by succumbing to hysterical LIES. Yes it cost you $270 for a new tire. But sending a republican away Mad as Hell....PRICELESS!!!! While you are riding in your beautiful truck that silly bastard will be out panhandling instead of writing his congressperson to vote for JOBS Bill.

SaveAmerica

(5,342 posts)
50. You will probably find him in the same parking lot
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 01:13 PM
Nov 2012

another day. It seems that there is some sort of parking lot 'ask for gas money' thing going on. I've been approached twice in the past month and a friend was approached the day before the first time I was and the story was similar.

Sorry you were attacked like that, I sure hope you don't stop being outspoken.

Rider3

(919 posts)
53. Yep,
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 01:25 PM
Nov 2012

sounds like a typical, uninformed voter. Sorry about your tire. That sucks. And, so don't those people.

 
54. I think your car is vile.
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 02:22 PM
Nov 2012

What an immature, in-your-face, bad winner type of thing to put on your car! Do you really view this as a nyah nyah situation? Do you think Obama is perfect and is doing everything right?

If I were you, I would take that down immediately. There are many people on the Right who are freaked out by the win and feel threatened.

librechik

(30,663 posts)
56. you are wrong--and if anyone on the right is freaked out, they are wrong
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 06:25 PM
Nov 2012

But I will listen to the echoes of their unreasonable fear and their hatred of a man who is only trying to help them, no matter what party they belong to. And feel sorry for their poor brains, built to fear rather than to love and accept others--I'm lookin at you "Thee"

 

DisgustipatedinCA

(12,530 posts)
66. Cool Styx reference in your username completely offset by inane post
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 07:29 PM
Nov 2012

If the right feels threatened, they'll have to just deal with it. Should they try to take out their frustrations with extrajudicial actions, they'll be dealt with, and I promise, they'll no longer feel threatened.

Warren DeMontague

(80,708 posts)
72. Thus says the person whose hobby is trolling DU from the library
Thu Nov 29, 2012, 04:29 AM
Nov 2012

then getting banned.

then coming back.

then getting banned.

then coming back.

Rinse. Repeat.

How many years, is it now?

"immature"?

Cha

(295,899 posts)
59. That sucks, flamin lib.. A brainwashed teabagger
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 06:38 PM
Nov 2012

panhandler.. The burning stupid is Everywhere!

Sneaky asshole.. who knew you couldn't leave your truck alone with him because he was psycho?

LeftyMom

(49,212 posts)
61. The OEM tires for your truck are $138 a pop on tirerack.com
Tue Nov 27, 2012, 06:41 PM
Nov 2012

I was just curious because $270 a pop is more than I'm looking at for performance tires for my pride and joy, and the size couldn't be too far off. So I looked it up and you're totally getting ripped off.

You should seriously consider switching tire shops.

Michigan Alum

(335 posts)
73. If it's any consolation, I've told your story to several people and they were all disgusted.
Thu Nov 29, 2012, 04:36 AM
Nov 2012

It is such a perfect example of cognitive dissonance, stupidity and assholery.

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