There is a series of videos on YouTube about the Cart Narcs. These are people who chase other people down when they leave carts out in the middle of parking lots rather than walking a few feet to put them in a cart corral — or, even better, to put them in the holding pen inside the store.
The conversations between the purveyors of righteous indignation and the lazy so-and-sos who can’t be bothered to do the right thing are sometime humorous — and, unfortunately, they’re often profane. I’d give the series an “R’ rating, so watch ‘em when the kids are in bed. In my case, the kids are between 37 and 44 years of age, so they can decide for themselves what to do. (Grandchildren, however, are a completely different matter.)
In terms of great things to accomplish, getting carts returned to their proper places is not too high on anyone’s list. As you watch the videos, you become aware of the fact that guys — and they almost always are guys — chasing down the scofflaws are doing this on their own and are not employees of the business owning the carts. Some of the people featured in the videos get really, really mad. At least one even pulled a gun.
I empathize with the cart narcs — particularly when it comes to the electric carts.
I had foot surgery about 17 months ago now and had to use one of those knee scooters for a while. When I would go to a larger store, I would make use of one of the electric carts to take the pressure off of my bad foot. It’s now healed, and though I am still struggling with my feet (diabetic neuropathy is the problem), I am pretty much able to move about under my own power.
I know how important those carts are. They’re not supposed to be taken outside, and yet I’ll pull into the parking lot of stores that have them and there they are. Note that they are electric carts and unless scientific principles have been voided, electricity and water don’t mix.
So I get out of my car and walk over to the misplaced cart. I sit down in the seat and drive it into the store. Often, I have to mop the water off of the seat. To add to my virtue, let it be known that I also plug it in once I’m inside the store.
When I used to use a cart regularly, I’d contact a store employee to do me a favor — either follow me out to my car and drive the cart back, or wait inside the door with my purchases while I bring my car up. I was never told “no.”
There are also the miscreants who can’t seem to park within the lines in the parking lot. As a family participation project, discuss around the dinner table tonight how irritated you get with those people.
I take note that Lewis Black is coming to Fort Wayne within the next few days. He is the king of rants. Maybe he’ll take up the issue parking lot issue. Meanwhile, I’m done.
daves@news-banner.com
