Am I not alone in the mindset that life is tough enough without a few boneheads making it more difficult?

Traffic is terrible, tensions are high. Everyone is strapped for cash. Everyone is hurting to make the rent and provide for their families. Times are tough, and they're not getting better soon.

Businesses are no different. But when does "no" stop meaning you do not want an unwanted service?

Within the past several weeks, certain "home improvement" companies repeatedly have visited our neighborhood and home, un-solicited, and insinuated that we were in need of their services to repair siding that was damaged due to recent rain and hail.

We have no such damage. If we did, we would have contacted a company of our choosing.

On each occasion, we advised that we were not in the market for their product and said, "Please do not visit us again."

Guess what? They keep coming back. Did I mention phone calls? Yesterday's soliciting almost led to a physical altercation. If I tell you I do not want your services and tell you not to ask again, can you construe any other meaning?

If I tell you to stay off my property, why would you want to pay the possible consequences of violating my request?

I pay my taxes. I served my country with 30 years of federal and local law enforcement service. I contribute to every charitable service I can afford.

I want to be left alone. Stay off of my property. Do not interfere with my life. I have only a few years left. If those years are meant to inflict agitation into some unwanted moron, then so be it.

The next time someone like that comes on my property, don't expect a welcome. People need to learn the definition of "no." I am more than capable of helping.

Mark Averi

Stafford