(RE: Walter Backstrom’s Aug. 22 column “Sit down and eat some candy”):

Having been notified by the IRS that I must get a new Social Security card with my current name on it, I went to the Kent office of the Social Security Department.

I had with me my current marriage certificate, my driver’s license, the marriage certificate from my late husband, in which the IRS claimed my Social Security number matched, and my late husband’s death certificate. He had been dead 15 years, and I had been remarried 10 years.

I waited my turn to see a clerk and presented the completed application with all of the documentation. I was promptly and impolitely told that I must have picture ID in my former name. I asked the clerk how I could get a picture ID from 10 years ago. I was told to leave immediately or they would call security. I did not understand why I was being treated so disrespectfully.

Am I black? Was the clerk black? Does it matter?

I went to the Puyallup Social Security office and explained the situation, and walked out with a new Social Security card with no problem, and even a smile from the clerk.

Am I black? Was the clerk black? Does it matter?

At some time or another in everyone’s life, they are going to be treated rudely, ignored by a sales clerk, or receive poor service. It happens to everyone. Don’t take it personally. Do report both poor service and good service to a supervisor.

Carol Fraley, Federal Way