I saw the story Channel 3 did on the woman who had her van damaged by gun fire at Wal-Mart. She was obviously very grateful to be alive. She was obviously upset and worried for those truly hurt by the robbery attempt.
The true part of the story was that, first, the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department took her van as evidence. Then, several days later, they let her know that they are through with her van and she can come pick it up at a lot neighboring to the police department.
When she gets there, they charge her $65 to pick her van up. Are you kidding me? All she was doing was shopping for groceries. And now, after not having her van for several days, she has to pay $65 out of her own pocket to get her van back. The target should be the Fort Oglethorpe Police Department.
My father was a life-long police office. I have complete respect and understanding for what happened. However, I believe it's time for someone to pay up. This woman did nothing wrong. First off, she shops at Wal-Mart all of the time. Odds are fair that she doesn't have $65 to throw around.
Now, I truly believe someone should have to pay for her damages. Will it be the criminals? Will it be Wal-Mart? Surely, it shouldn't have been that poor older woman's insurance. I'm sorry. That's just not fair.
I have insurance on my property, like all home owners do, that protects those hurt on my premises. Are you telling me Wal-Mart doesn't have that? Sorry, I just don't believe it.
Now, I'm a life-long Wal-Mart shopper. And, I've never said anything like this before. However, it really sounds like another case of the overpowering retail giant finding one more way to say, "We didn't do anything." Just like they say that after putting generation-long mom and pop stores out of business.
I am completely against someone suing just because they can. Let's face it though, folks. This woman deserves to get her money back on all fronts. You don't have to be a judge to figure this one out. And for those of you who would have a problem with someone upset over $65, then you will probably never be able to relate to just how tough things are actually getting in the Tennessee Valley.
Don Foley
promodon@catt.com
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Let the whining begin.
So tell me again why Wal-Mart is liable for a robber shooting this woman's van? Did Wal-Mart invite the robber to the store? Did they sell them the gun while they were in the store?
That is why we carry car insurance is because things happen. Rocks bounce off the road. Someone throws a rock and you never see them. Let her insurance company, if she has one, handle this and they will sue the robber to recoup their loss.
Let her take the robber to small claims court or better yet I am sure Judge Judy is ready willing and able to make the robber pay up.
Johnny Franks
seechatt@yahoo.com