Corporate Scrooges

To the Editor:

Dear Virginia, yes there is an Ebenezer Scrooge. He is alive and well. Mostly he can be observed in corporate America. During this holiday season I was struck by the greed exhibited by companies such as AIG. Toy companies such as American Girl have their own version of corporate greed. They are “retiring” an American girl doll (Samantha) right before the holidays. Once you place the order you are then told that it is on back order until May. When I called to get an explanation, I was told it was to make room for “new” dolls and frankly they did not care that some children would not get the one gift they asked for Christmas.

Ebenezer even lives here in Newtown. I was recently told at a local toy store that even though I returned a toy that was broken upon opening it, I would not get my money back.

I am not sure I understand the Ebenezer mentality. Certainly it is not good business practice to insult, belittle, and ignore the customer. Yet the money involved is at Scrooge-like levels. The returned toy was $27 and I was only returned 80 percent of what I paid. So for $4 dollars they earned my disloyalty to their store.

Thankfully, Virginia, there also exists a Santa. So even during times of holiday stress and economic downturns there are people everywhere, including Newtown, doing wonderful and kind things for other people.

Virginia, do not loose hope. Keep the magic alive. And tell Ebenezer to stop being such a Scrooge.

Sincerely

Jennifer M. Papa Kanaan, MD

Sandy Hook                                                                December 18, 2008