I just get tired of rich people thinking that they can just do whatever they want, whenever they want. I just hope I don't lose my temp job. I know I will. This is just stupid and I don't know what to do.
It started as an waitress's amusing tale on a blog with few readers. It was about waiting table on dour Republican activist Stefan Sharkansky, his attorney/wife Irene and their 5-year old son at the Fremont Classic Pizzeria & Trattoria.
According to her, (and others who wait on them) the Sharkansky's 5-year-old was often "marginally attended," and permitted to be loud, obnoxious, and run annoyingly free in the dining room.
What's more, the Sharkanskys, she wrote, only tip 10%.
Sounds like trivial gotcha gossip well beneath the majesty of the likes of Sharkansky so often called an "influential Seattle Republican." Right?
Wrong.
Hell hath no fury like parenting scorned! And
you don't know vindictive 'til you meet the Sharkanskys! Instead of
letting this go and minimizing eyeballs to this trivia, the Sharks
turned both barrels on the single mother of two who works two jobs and
barely keeps her head afloat.
They did opp research, searched public records, got everything they could on her, like the trouble her kid got into; some profane old online rantings about boyfriends and husbands past, and posted everything on Sound Politics. They also found out she worked a 2nd job temping at Amazon.
At first, it was just a lark to her, griping online about a not uncommon server's plaint. So when the Sharks circled, she got her back up- who the hell are they to question my right to speak the truth?
A Shark relative went to the restaurant, raised hell, and she was fired.
"I guess I thought that if I backed down he would 'win,'" the waitress wrote in our threads, "I guess I thought they were empty threats. None of that matters now. I have already been physically threatened in person by one of his relatives. I have been defamed on the Internet. I could lose everything."
She and the original blogger Mercifurious then frantically took down the offending blog entries on both blogs, but that wasn't good enough for the Sharkanskys: they threatened to make trouble over at Amazon, if she didn't make a retraction! To call her own self a liar.
The waitress was so terrified they might further ruin her life, she made a groveling statement found in our comments threads and posted on Sound Politics, Sharkansky's blog:
My place it to smile and serve food. It is not to comment on what my customers are doing in the restaurant. I should have known better. I should also realize that sometimes people act differently in different situations and as a person who only has contact with someone for a short period of time, I have no right to say that is how they are. I was misguided and also mistaken, as has been pointed out to me. I was wrong and I do not intend to work in food service in the future so to avoid perhaps offending another unsuspecting family. I am sorry. Please, please forgive me. Please don't take it out on other food service workers.
The Sharkanskys put down the gun they had pointed at her head and magnanimously accepted her heartfelt mea culpa, and apology.
Power and intimidation not only beat her, but it beat her down.
(Shark's blog got famous after leading the legally frivolous, but politically monkey-wrenching post election fight after the tight 2005 gubernatorial election; and is inarguably the primary bloggly mouthpiece for the Seattle Republican minority).
We mentioned the kerfuffle in our oddems Friday and a shootin' war erupted in our comments threads.
Using language he'd never use in his straight-laced conservative blog, Stefan called us "a sick twisted fuck," which hurt our feelings but hey, we're political and hardened to such abuse. The waitress, however, is wholly apolitical; she had no idea who the hell Sharkansky was. She says she gets her news from E! online.
She didn't smear a 5-year old, as the Sharks tried to spin it, but called the lack of due parenting diligence for what it was: public rudeness, and inconsideration.
Was it not in her best interest for a waitress to spill that online? Yes. Was it worth 5 minutes of the Sharks' precious time and waning credibility to act so heavy handedly to intimidate her? The answer to that is no, as so many of his own readers wrote Friday.
It's a lesson how power, money, and entitlement can make economically vulnerable people crumble in on themselves. We'll not soon forget the words of her desperation: I'm just a waitress, well, I was just a waitress...
We admit it- we love to pull Stefan's tail because he's such a pompous and humorless jerk. but we're just grateful our livelihood doesn't depend on serving people like him and his female counterpart.
Stefan is often mentioned as a Republican break-through candidate for an urban Seattle office. This incident shows what an utter delusion that is.
pyre: you've got the right to criticize all you wish. Your employer has the right to terminate the relationship with you over it, also.
I work for a large company, and they have thought of exactly this. They have a privacy policy regarding customer info that we have to sign. If we violate it by writing nasty stuff about customers (or co-workers) we can get fired.
Posted by: wutitiz | August 27, 2007 at 09:43 PM
Does anybody but me find it really surreal that this is all about some guy named Stefan getting some gal named Steffany fired? And then it turns out that the guy's name is also Shark? Maybe I need more sleep, but that just sounds kinda ... science-fictiony. Seattle is clearly a really strange place.
Also, PugetSound sure has a lot of free time. Are you, like, paid to watch out for Republicans online or something?
My take-away from this, as a totally outside observer, is that some Republican guy and his lawyer wife got a waitress fired and then forced her to say, in public, "It wasn't my place to criticize my betters. Please, sir, please don't fire all my friends, too." Wow. That must feel really good.
I don't think the actual veracity or lack thereof of Steffany is much at issue. God knows anybody with a five-year-old has plenty of evenings where they're swinging from public chandeliers. But to be that vindictive about the rest of the story? That's kinda scary.
Just my two bits. But by all means, carry on. It's very entertaining to watch.
Posted by: Michael | August 27, 2007 at 09:45 PM
PugetSound: maybe he's afraid that their might be a dead fish floating on the surface LOL.
Posted by: wutitiz | August 27, 2007 at 09:45 PM
"Imagine life if every time you went into a business, you had to worry about what the clerks were going to put on the web."
*gasp* Why, one might actually need to start treating servants decently! We can't have that!
[fans self vigorously to keep from fainting]
Posted by: Pyre | August 27, 2007 at 09:45 PM
Yes, I suspect republicans have to make up shit, except you can't make up Larry Craig tap dancing in the men's room at airports--gives whole new meaning to the Boys of Boise.
Posted by: coiler | August 27, 2007 at 09:48 PM
wutitis, sometimes I give you credit for some reasonable views. I agree with your last comment.
But, I didn't get the idea that the controversy was over what she did. Most of the controversy seems to be over the elitist and aggressive reaction on the part of two very public and powerful people.
Can you not make a distinction here? Stefan and Irene are responsible for its making news nationally. They drowned a bothersome cat and now they're paying the price. The unfortunate part is that the cat died.
Let's keep this in perspective.
Posted by: joanie | August 27, 2007 at 09:50 PM
"PugetSound: maybe he's afraid that their might be a dead fish floating on the surface LOL.
Posted by: wutitiz "
very good point.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 27, 2007 at 09:51 PM
"But, I didn't get the idea that the controversy was over what she did. Most of the controversy seems to be over the elitist and aggressive reaction on the part of two very public and powerful people.
Can you not make a distinction here? Stefan and Irene are responsible for its making news nationally. They drowned a bothersome cat and now they're paying the price. The unfortunate part is that the cat died.
Let's keep this in perspective."
Hey, not bad. a couple whiffs and a horrible metaphor. Did you even read the story?
Most people find it distasteful what the lady did to include the poor manager of the restaurant.
Elitist? They live in Greenlake for gawds sake. A very nice place and all but it is not Medina.
Finally, this cat drowning bizness...sheesh. I liked your stuff better when you were drinking.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 27, 2007 at 09:56 PM
The IdahoStatesman is going to print the story of their investigation on Craig. The story up now of how he fled the bathroom when the cop flashed his badge under the stall after Craig reached under and wiggled his fingers is hilarious.
Posted by: sparky | August 27, 2007 at 09:56 PM
go up a bit and you'll find where i linked the story.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 27, 2007 at 09:58 PM
If you don't like it, putsie, teacher's advice is don't respond. It wasn't for you anyway. Do we need some more reading comprehension lessons, sweetheart. Hmm? Tell mama, she'll arrange.
Posted by: joanie | August 27, 2007 at 09:59 PM
stick to the third grade, ph(j)oanie.
yeah yeah sparky, i know that whole your/you're deal... :)
Posted by: PugetSound | August 27, 2007 at 10:02 PM
stick to the third grade, ph(j)oanie.
What???????? I think you need some sleep. Have you been on-line since Michael posted the original controversy? Well, we all know how you have yearned for inclusion. Make the most of it, dear.
Nighty night
Sleep tight
Don't let the bed bugs bite . . .
that is, if you can tear yourself away. :)
Posted by: joanie | August 27, 2007 at 10:16 PM
nothing worse than a teacher that hasn't read the material. take a little time to read through it before you pontificate.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 27, 2007 at 10:20 PM
Can't wait to read it Sparky. (Wink, Wink)
Posted by: nevets | August 27, 2007 at 10:40 PM
From the Idaho Statesman
"With my left hand near the floor, I pointed towards the exit," the report said. "Craig responded, 'No!' I again pointed towards the exit. Craig exited the stall with his roller bags without flushing the toilet. ... Craig said he would not go. I told Craig that he was under arrest, he had to go, and that I didn't want to make a scene. Craig then left the restroom."
Sparky can you show me where it says he ran out the door.
Posted by: nevets | August 27, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Can you Sparky, Huh, Huh
Posted by: nevets | August 27, 2007 at 10:50 PM
See Puts, you have to watchout for Sparky.
Posted by: nevets | August 27, 2007 at 10:51 PM
I don't get why PS and that other guy are giggling about fish, very odd and childish, but I'll accept there hijacking of topic as an admission of defeat and a begging for mercy. Thanks for participating in this debate. You get a gold star for effort.
You and "The Sharks" should get together and celebrate your loss and their self inflicted defamation over some pizza. I'm sure you'd have a blast.
Posted by: Andrew | August 27, 2007 at 10:54 PM
delusions of grandeur: Sir Andrew's last post on this. UNreal.
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 05:39 AM
Steven, you and my 11 year old nephew would get along quite well I think. You have much in common.
Posted by: sparky | August 28, 2007 at 05:40 AM
Wow, has this topic set a new record for posts or what! (We DO love our gossip, don't we.)
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 05:55 AM
Steven, you and my 11 year old nephew would get along quite well I think. You have much in common.
Alas sparks, and as a final tribute to this topic, I would guess that your nephew knows how to act 'properly' in a pizza joint.
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 06:06 AM
Duff sez
"Alas sparks, and as a final tribute to this topic, I would guess that your nephew knows how to act 'properly' in a pizza joint."
Hang on there Duff, let's see what the waitperson says about Sparky's conduct on the blogs...
Nevets, your right.
Andrew, we didn't have to hijack the topic. You thought you could exploit this for political purposes and it blew up in your face. That has to suck...heck, even ph(j)oanie won't pick up to defend your arguments.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 28, 2007 at 06:38 AM
(Sort of on topic, i.e. children of sorts)
Would be interested in what joanie and/or sparks might think of the Miss Teen USA young lady's (Miss South Carolina, I believe)answer to a pagent question that's been on U-Tube and being discussed on talk shows? Seems like a sad commentary on the state of our educational process to me??
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 06:52 AM
duff
what's the over/under on merci coming back and setting this straight?
Posted by: PugetSound | August 28, 2007 at 06:58 AM
duff
did you catch that during the entire week while
ph(j)oanie was offline so was coiler? then ph(j)oanie comes back and voila coiler appears.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 28, 2007 at 07:05 AM
Man I dunno PS; I would think he'd be 'layin low' for a while.
BTW: Congrats on the way you delicately and so politely handed Sir Andrew his ass on a platter. It just has to hurt more when it is done in such a gracious manner.
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 07:07 AM
...yeah kind of intriguing I guess but I assumed sparks to be coiler there for a while and was corrected so with all the impersonating that goes on herein I'm going to refrain from any speculation.
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 07:11 AM
Good morning
Thanks for covering while I slept.
I see Andrew is totally incapable of admitting defeat. Merci has been wise enough to lay low. He knows that this whole story is a made up puff piece to slam Shark.
Hope you and your new cat had quality bonding time joanie.
Posted by: chucks | August 28, 2007 at 07:15 AM
morning chucks
they allow cats up at shick shade....ooops, i mean blaine?
duff
i'm down in freemont today, maybe i'll be seeing merci tooling around on the Vespa.
like you pointed out before, it is funny to see 'em get their arguments kicked by people named duff or puts.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 28, 2007 at 07:32 AM
...smacks of the days of anomolos ;o)
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 07:38 AM
i just know that if it had been someone else's website that merci would have been unmerciful until the webmaster had come clean.
merci could get a lot of cred if he would just come forward say he screwed up -ie my source was inadaquately protected by me, my source didn't give me permission to post in the first place, my source has now recanted so in good faith i must announce that the story is bunk, et al and moved on.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 28, 2007 at 07:43 AM
nevets is one of my pioneers in NABAS . North American Bathroom Adventurers Society. Puget is welcome to join too.
Posted by: Larry Craig Bathroom Attendant | August 28, 2007 at 08:50 AM
no thanks, you can tap your foot in vain there.
Posted by: PugetSound | August 28, 2007 at 08:51 AM
Ha...that's funny sparks; guess potatoes aren't the only things grown in Idaho, eh
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 08:58 AM
Miss So Carolina’s Remarks Now More Clear
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 09:22 AM
The waitress has recanted her story:
"The comments made on Blatherwatch and Meetthestress about Mr. Sharkansky and his family are largely untrue and in bad taste. As a food service worker and a mother it was an extremely poor decision on my part to tell this story to someone who put it on the web. I am so sorry for any pain or inconvienience I caused the Sharkansky family and I wish only for this incident to be put behind everyone involved.
Thank you."
Posted by: That Lying Michael | August 28, 2007 at 09:35 AM
It was just nerves Duff, I seen her on CNN a bit ago and she had a very good answer this time.
And Sparky, what happens between you and your nephew, you say you going to give him a dollar than lie and only give him a quarter. All we both want is the truth. 11 years old you say, that makes you what 30, if that is true, where did you get them 30 years of experience working with children? Coiler doesn't count okay.
Posted by: nevets | August 28, 2007 at 09:39 AM
..yeah, I could always pass the test better the 2nd time!
reminds me of the infamous late Peter Jennings question to the Honorable Rev Sharpton regarding views on monetary policy.
Oh well, she's beautiful no doubt about that.
[& just for the record, I detest 'beauty pagents' !]
Posted by: Duffman | August 28, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Steven, you have about the same math skills as he does, too.
Posted by: sparky | August 28, 2007 at 09:52 AM
At least we count by ones, and not twos like you.
Posted by: nevets | August 28, 2007 at 08:47 PM
Sparky you posted,
"The story up now of how he fled the bathroom when the cop flashed his badge under the stall after Craig reached under and wiggled his fingers is hilarious."
I don't even think your nephew has this much imagination. So if you can tell me where you seen this, I would like a laugh also and you would be vindicated of being a liar.
Posted by: nevets | August 28, 2007 at 08:52 PM
You still protecting Craig, steveN? Wonder what that's about?
Posted by: coiler | August 28, 2007 at 09:57 PM
Holy crap....just today Stefan has had TWO more threads on his site about himself and the waitress and how wronged he was. What a needy person he is! Please! Please! Don't stop talking about me!
Posted by: Dood Abides | August 28, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Coiler, just looking for the truth from Sparky. Can't one expect that from your friend?
Posted by: nevets | August 29, 2007 at 12:19 AM
Is this a record number of posts on a single Bla'ch thread?
Posted by: Fremont | August 29, 2007 at 01:34 PM
297 Posts?...I dunno; that's a lot!
Posted by: Duffman | August 29, 2007 at 02:01 PM
Joanie: Thanks for the kind word, and sorry it took so long to get back. I just don't see what Sharkansky did that was so wrong.
He says he did not "get her fired" (as so many claim). His wife called the restaurant to report the nasty blogging, but did not request that Steffany be fired. Nothing wrong there.
Shark posted info about Steffany, and here's where I'm hazy. If he posted her name and crazy writings, to me that seems tame enough. If he posted her home address etc., or tried to get her fired from Amazon(her 2nd job), that would be over the top, but as far as I know, he did neither.
I just consider what I'd do in Shark's position. I admittedly tend to be vindictive when wronged. An old cop once told me "if somebody 'f's w/ you, you 'f' back 10 times harder."
Posted by: wutitiz | August 29, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Joanie, also I would question the protrayal of this as a powerful guy crushing a little waitress. Sometimes the little guy has the edge over the famous guy. Look what then-unknown Drudge did to Clinton when he blogged the blue dress story. Look what Burkett (Rather's fake doc source) almost did to Bush. Look what Oswald did to Kennedy.
Posted by: wutitiz | August 29, 2007 at 03:15 PM