Hi, Tony:
While I don't generally condone rude behavior, in this instance I think you were justified, although describing yourself as you did (age, position, handicaps and surgical count) in a quiet and controlled tone (through clenched teeth, as it were) might have been even more devastating to the boor who irked you to the point of 'losing it'. I say this as one who has watched my supernaturally patient and sweet-natured wife get great results from clods on the telephone - often medical insurance 'customer service representatives' - by remaining calm and controlled while essentially telling them they are a bunch of idiots and to put someone on the phone who has a brain and knows what they're doing. She's amazing. She also gets results.
Me? I raise my voice, tell them they're all dithering morons - and hang up. Unfortunately, this leaves me with the same problem I called about and probably a notation on my file about being 'hostile' or possibly 'deranged'. Besides, with modern, portable, one-piece, push-button telephones, the great satisfaction of slamming down the receiver is gone - and I really miss it. Forcefully pushing the 'off' button is nowhere near as (emotionally) rewarding. I know, as I've done it....more than once.
Anyway, good for you, Tony. One hopes that there will now be one less telephone-boor in the world because of your actions Besides, I'm sure you felt a lot better after that heated exchange. I would.
Jim
