Last week, I got off the train in the morning and there was a TV reporter that jumped in front of me with a few questions about fare increases. I immediately sensed that she was trying to wind me up, get me irate. But I felt like I was mild mannered and not falling for the bait.
ME: “I can accept the price increase because I know they’re buying new trains, which we really need badly. So as long as I can see the results I’m okay with it.”
TV LADY: “But what if they don’t add the trains? Are you seeing what you’re paying for?”
ME: “I’m not seeing what I’m paying for yet, but I know they’re in the works.”
TV LADY: Strange devilish smile. “What if they raise prices again? Would that make you stop taking the train?”
ME: “No. They basically have me over a barrel. I don’t want to pay for parking, I don’t want to pay for gas, I don’t want to deal with a car. Maybe I could ride my bike sometimes, but not in bad weather. So for me the train is still the best option.”
TV LADY: Looks at camera man with a huge grin. “Thank you.”
Now watch how it was presented on air.
That’s not the angle I was expecting.
Everyone at work was mocking me for being the angry American.
