Irony

Yesterday, I assisted Upscale Quest Network NP with obtaining information on east side local restaurants from the locals; have been doing a little volunteering for the new non-profit. 

I had posted in a Facebook Group created for people in my home town. Growing up on the east side of St. Paul, I knew there would be a need for this program and mentioned what the program was about. You would think that people would like the idea there was an educational program. Right?!?

Needless to say, there were two very negative, opinionated people who kept downing a program that assists people with tickets, revocation/suspense, DUI/DWI and credit improvement. Without reading that this was an educational program, they automatically assumed that Upscale Quest Network paid off the fines since it was a non-profit.

The ladies in question kept stating:

• Why do we want people who don’t pay child support, get repeat DUI’s, tickets, etc. on the road? If they refuse to support a child or pay their bills how will they pay for car ins? Driving is not a free right. It is a privilege.
• Take the bus, pay your bills and fines. That will prove they are deserving of the privilege to drive. Did they care about their kids needs? Or the people they may have killed? What about the one that is helped and given a free ride to go drunk drive again. ” Simple reason enough?” Tell that to a hungry child or the family grieving…………

Then proceeded to attack the Mark Henderson Fundraiser by posting the criminal record for various Mark Henderson’s. However, the birthdates varied on each case number and unable to verify that they matched the young man who was accidentally shot 11 times by the Woodbury Police Department while fleeing a hostage situation. Not that this had anything to do with an educational program from Upscale Quest Network.

So, I felt it was my duty to find out exactly why these women kept attacking the program.  Here is the irony in the situation (withholding their name, birthdate and case number to protect their privacy; not sure why, but felt that I should):

04/21/2004
- Washington-Cottage Grove DWI – Criminal Series
Converted Closed 3RD DEG DWI TEST REFUSAL
NO BAC 4TH DEG DWI

09/30/2008
Ramsey Criminal/Traffic/Petty Downtown
Monahan, M. Michael Crim/Traf Mandatory
Under Court Jurisdiction Traffic – DWI – Fourth-Degree Driving While Impaired; Described
Traffic – DWI – Operate Motor Vehicle – Alcohol Concentration

The irony of the situation is that they were both convicted of DWI’s.  When I mentioned this, her response:

• This is why I do support MADD. Nobody paid my bills, fines, etc. I did it on my own. It was my mistake and I owned up to it.
• Your business is involved and overly promoted Rhonda. I know full well the details of this incident.
• I PAY MY OWN WAY!!!! That is practicing what I preach!

I proceeded to explain that although the program is a non-profit, it is still a business. The clients of the business will also have to pay their fines. It is to assist individuals to get pointed in the right direction, set up arrangements for their fines and obtain SR-22 Insurance. She would have known that had either asked or visited their webpage (www.upscalequestmn.com) instead of attacking a non-profit organization.   It is an educational class, not “we pay your fines and give you your license back.”

• I also had to clarify that  I have a sponsorship (paid advertisement) with Upscale Quest Network NP. I am not an employee, owner or on the Board of Directors.
• Reflections With Rhonda is a blog page that I do for my relaxation; possibly my future retirement income source.
• The fundraiser is for a woman I have never met, who can barely speak through her tears, and was practically starving herself due to her grief. Yes, she is employed, married, raising four other children in a simple home on the East Side. They did not plan on unexpectedly losing their son due to an accident.  
• I support the concept of MADD. I find it ironic that the same people who preach no drinking and driving have been arrested for it. It is as if they are saying it is OK for me to do it, but not you. (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/compost/2011/02/madd_president_arrested_for_du.html)
• I applaud everyone who has learned from their mistake, but don’t keep another from not doing the same > learn from their mistake. I give a standing ovation to those that have a zero tolerance of no drinking if driving.
• Everyone makes a mistake, but when you judge others instead of supporting them and helping them for the same mistakes you made, that isn’t right.
• I volunteer for Upscale Quest Network because it is an educational program, that is why it is a non-profit. It does not pay fines for anyone. It educates people on resources and insurance. It educates people on why credit is so important and ways to higher their credit score. It is designed to help those who wish to help themselves and move forward.

Where is the Pride and supporting others in your neighborhood?