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kpete

(71,996 posts)
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:36 AM Oct 2012

‘You should’ve served US better and died!’ Debt collector berates disabled veteran

Source: RT News

‘You should’ve served US better and died!’ Debt collector berates disabled veteran

A debt collector, angered that a disabled US Army veteran was living off of disability payments, told him he “should have died” in war instead of "taking advantage of" other Americans.

Minnesota-based debt collection agency Gurstel Chargo is now facing a lawsuit for verbally abusing the Army vet over a $6,000 defaulted student loan, Courthouse News reports.


“If you would have served our country better you would not be a disabled veteran living off Social Security while the rest of us honest Americans work our asses off,” one of the agency’s debt collectors allegedly told the vet. “Too bad, you should have died.”


Michael Collier was declared 100 per cent disabled after suffering permanent spine and head injuries while in the Army. As a result, both Collier and his wife receive disability payments from the federal Social Security Administration, which are exempt from seizure by debt collectors.

Read more: http://rt.com/usa/news/us-debt-collector-disabled-veteran-372/

62 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
‘You should’ve served US better and died!’ Debt collector berates disabled veteran (Original Post) kpete Oct 2012 OP
Oh my God! gateley Oct 2012 #1
Here's the company's number if anyone wants to call them... antigone382 Oct 2012 #45
Rmoney taught this cretin well. Hope a jury showsi williesgirl Oct 2012 #2
Give him a choice atreides1 Oct 2012 #26
I'm voting for Obama without question, and have been a "liberal" Democrat for 40+ years, but....... George II Oct 2012 #35
Makers and takers? 47 percent? You must be kidding... n/t AAO Oct 2012 #37
The abusive statements made to the veteran are essentially the same as Romney/Ryan campaign platform yardwork Oct 2012 #50
Another Romney/Ryan supporter. dchill Oct 2012 #3
The collector forgot to call him a moocher. kestrel91316 Oct 2012 #4
Dear "collector"... MrMickeysMom Oct 2012 #5
Gurstel Chargo's contact page http://www.gurstel.com/contact antigone382 Oct 2012 #46
Gurstel CEO information qazwsx Oct 2012 #60
This is one mimi85 Oct 2012 #6
Oh yeah! JimboBillyBubbaBob Oct 2012 #38
Good Randian. 'Only good soldier/worker who can't serve/work, is a dead one.' freshwest Oct 2012 #7
This person is some kind of living caricature of the Republican message /nt Ash_F Oct 2012 #8
This over a student loan? Proletariatprincess Oct 2012 #9
This guy is Presidential material. SCVDem Oct 2012 #10
We owe him big time,the debt collector didn't give an ounce of flesh julian09 Oct 2012 #11
I copied this and sent to my disabled vet (Vietnam) husband spiderpig Oct 2012 #12
Send him their contact information, too! antigone382 Oct 2012 #47
Thank you, antigone spiderpig Oct 2012 #53
As a young person, I agree with you completely. antigone382 Oct 2012 #54
The only thing that counts these days is the 18-35 demographic spiderpig Oct 2012 #55
Terible story Tunkamerica Oct 2012 #13
Here's the story from Courthouse News Service Art_from_Ark Oct 2012 #16
so it was a paralegal, not a bill collector? i know 2 paralegals and the job requirements Tunkamerica Oct 2012 #19
Apparently so Art_from_Ark Oct 2012 #21
wonder how it would have sounded w0nderer Oct 2012 #28
A lot of shitty, low-rent law firms are getting into the collections racket Blue_Tires Oct 2012 #59
Not so bad unless UnseenUndergrad Oct 2012 #56
Disgusting. Overseas Oct 2012 #14
Romney has now made it okay to diss veterans. Beartracks Oct 2012 #15
When you think they can go no lower. DiverDave Oct 2012 #17
Give him a call and tell him so! antigone382 Oct 2012 #48
THIS IS THE REPUBLICAN ATTITUDE! AsahinaKimi Oct 2012 #18
There's your steenkin Republican Chickenhawk Family Values Berlum Oct 2012 #20
I hope the guy wins millions davidpdx Oct 2012 #22
kpete Diclotican Oct 2012 #23
No they can't break laws and get their money --not legally at least CreekDog Oct 2012 #42
CreekDog Diclotican Oct 2012 #52
If Wall Street CEOs sulphurdunn Oct 2012 #24
It's endemic Turbineguy Oct 2012 #25
'Fuck you, pay me!' Cirque du So-What Oct 2012 #27
A pile of money protected from the vultures... HereSince1628 Oct 2012 #29
Vile!!! Odin2005 Oct 2012 #30
re: ‘You should’ve served US better and died!’ Debt collector berates disabled veteran allan01 Oct 2012 #31
That is a beautiful rant. Now say it to them directly! Let them know! antigone382 Oct 2012 #49
Just plain vile ck4829 Oct 2012 #32
...stunning SoapBox Oct 2012 #33
All debt collectors are scum living off of the people's misery gopiscrap Oct 2012 #34
Amen to that. Loathsome parasites in need of extermination. Vidar Oct 2012 #62
I whispered those exact 3 words when I read this. And I'm not even a religionist. AAO Oct 2012 #36
I googled this collection agency- tons of hits. They are infamous Beaverhausen Oct 2012 #39
!!! emmadoggy Oct 2012 #40
Extreme Ugliness elbloggoZY27 Oct 2012 #41
Send email to them.............. Smilo Oct 2012 #43
I haven't read a story that infurated me this much in a long time... dorksied Oct 2012 #44
So Alan Simpson got a new job? sabrina 1 Oct 2012 #51
I would hate to be the debt collector's lawyer if this goes before a jury aint_no_life_nowhere Oct 2012 #57
Actually, it's the lawyer that pulled this stunt in the first place. Dr. Strange Oct 2012 #58
Talk about a worthless excuse for a human being! budkin Oct 2012 #61

antigone382

(3,682 posts)
45. Here's the company's number if anyone wants to call them...
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:26 PM
Oct 2012

866-572-7282

It might be nice to tie up Gurstel Chargo's phone lines telling them how much they suck in order to keep them from harassing a few vets for a while.

George II

(67,782 posts)
35. I'm voting for Obama without question, and have been a "liberal" Democrat for 40+ years, but.......
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 11:18 AM
Oct 2012

........how is Romney connected to this situation?

Claiming that he is only falls into the same sewer that right-wing republicans do.

Take the story for what it is, don't draw any illogical conclusions that are clearly incorrect. Doing so give "Democrats" a bad image.

Thank you.

yardwork

(61,629 posts)
50. The abusive statements made to the veteran are essentially the same as Romney/Ryan campaign platform
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:49 PM
Oct 2012

The veteran is part of the 47% that Romney claims don't want to "take responsibility for their lives" because they pay no taxes. Romney didn't even bother to thank veterans during his speech at the RNC. The Republicans in Congress constantly just voted a few weeks ago not to extend benefits to veterans. The Republicans don't care about wounded and disabled veterans. Their message is encapsulated in the abusive words of that bill collector.

MrMickeysMom

(20,453 posts)
5. Dear "collector"...
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:54 AM
Oct 2012

Let's compare job descriptions of what this veteran has done and what you ended up doing...

Need we go any further? You know, if you had been a REALLY good debt collector, you would have broken legs for the mafia, instead of going after those who cannot use theirs further after being used up for the likes of serving country and protecting your filthy ass.

Kindly throw the fucking book at this piece of shit.

antigone382

(3,682 posts)
46. Gurstel Chargo's contact page http://www.gurstel.com/contact
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:28 PM
Oct 2012
http://www.gurstel.com/contact

info@gurstel.com
866-572-7282

Minnesota:
p 763-267-6700
f 763-267-6777

Arizona:
p 480-966-9300
f 480.420.2245

Iowa:
p 515-868-0462
f 515-244-0506

Tell 'em how you feel!

qazwsx

(1 post)
60. Gurstel CEO information
Mon Oct 15, 2012, 08:07 PM
Oct 2012

The CEO of Gurstel Chargo deleted his profile page from their website. But, his contact information is viewable elsewhere.

CEO, Todd Gurstel
Phone: (612)664-8200

Fax: (612)664-8222

Email: t.gurstel@gurstel.com


Edward O'brien was supposedly the lawyer that threatened Mr. Collier. His work email address is: e.obrien@gurstel.com

mimi85

(1,805 posts)
6. This is one
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:07 AM
Oct 2012

of the most disgusting things I've read yet. WTF is wrong with some people? My husband and I were just talking about a report we read (I've gotta find it) that shows that scientifically there is actually a difference between a liberal and conservative's brains.

Damn, this story makes me so sad - and pissed!

JimboBillyBubbaBob

(1,389 posts)
38. Oh yeah!
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:52 PM
Oct 2012

The research supports the concept that we are wired differently. Those folks just plain think differently, which changes the whole dynamic of how you work with them. We must remain creative.

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
7. Good Randian. 'Only good soldier/worker who can't serve/work, is a dead one.'
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:07 AM
Oct 2012

That's the bottom line thinking of running this world like a business... All about the bucks. I hope this gets a lot of play somewhere... And that those veterans who hate Obama and plan to vote for Romney will take heed of this.

9. This over a student loan?
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:36 AM
Oct 2012

WTF? WW2 vets got the GI Bill that paid for a college education. In most civilized countries, higher education is still paid for by the state just like health care.
This is shameful. Even if he is exempt from seizure by debt collectors, he is still subject to harrassment by the debt collecting pigs.
There is just so much wrong and such injustice in this country that I dispair sometimes......

 

SCVDem

(5,103 posts)
10. This guy is Presidential material.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:37 AM
Oct 2012

Tell me how he's different from Rmoney/Ryan and the Tea GOP?

I wonder if he ever heard of PTSD ?

Sleep tight dickwad!

 

julian09

(1,435 posts)
11. We owe him big time,the debt collector didn't give an ounce of flesh
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 02:16 AM
Oct 2012

while this guy gave a pound and sacrificed his future well being for his country.
The rolls should be reversed, the debt collector owes him. The selfish can never satisfy their greed at the expense of others.

spiderpig

(10,419 posts)
12. I copied this and sent to my disabled vet (Vietnam) husband
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 02:17 AM
Oct 2012

and told him to take a pill before he read it.

He's deaf and disabled. (I so want to punch this Chargo jerk).

Pond scum.

antigone382

(3,682 posts)
47. Send him their contact information, too!
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:32 PM
Oct 2012
http://www.gurstel.com/contact

info@gurstel.com
866-572-7282

Minnesota:
p 763-267-6700
f 763-267-6777

Arizona:
p 480-966-9300
f 480.420.2245

Iowa:
p 515-868-0462
f 515-244-0506

I understand since he's deaf he may not be able to call and bless them out (then again, he can just say what he thinks and not have to listen to the garbage that comes out of their mouths). He can definitely send an e-mail if it gets his blood boiling enough!

spiderpig

(10,419 posts)
53. Thank you, antigone
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 08:36 PM
Oct 2012

An old coworker who used to sound off at the ridiculous bureaucrasy used to say "I don't care if it does any good. If it makes me feel better, it's worth it."

Giving this info to Mr. pig. He doesn't hesitate to slam groups that dishonor vets. I think after 30 years together he'd put up with anything from me, but denigrating service personnel would totally cross the line (not that I'd ever do it).

Have to vent more. At what point do older/infirm/impaired people become such a drain on society that we encourage them to turn themselves into Soylent Green? In this era of Botox and bolt-on boobs, I find the most beautiful thing is an aged face full of kindness and wisdom. So much to share. But we're supposed to look on them as liabilities. Our loss.

OK - rant over.

antigone382

(3,682 posts)
54. As a young person, I agree with you completely.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 09:11 PM
Oct 2012

I find our society's lack of respect for its older members abhorrent, and other cultures do, too.

It really disturbed me how no one pointed out the awful way Jim Lehrer was walked over at the debate (mostly by you-know-who), and what made it worse was that virtually nobody pointed out the disrespect shown to an older member of society who should have been dealt with more politely, at the very least.

spiderpig

(10,419 posts)
55. The only thing that counts these days is the 18-35 demographic
Mon Oct 15, 2012, 01:36 AM
Oct 2012

And I have plenty of friends in that age bracket. They have been good to me and I love them to bits.

Speaking personally, many would ask me about 9/11 (relative to JFK's assassination and whether the world was as shaken as it was in 2001) and other things, and I'd always try to be nonjudgmental. As a matter of fact, the highest compliment my nearly 8-years-younger sister ever paid me was "I know we can talk about (whatever it was) because you're nonjudgmental".

It seems that over the years simple courtesy has gone by the board. Whether driving or waiting in line at the supermarket or dining in a restaurant.

I was in customer service for 30 years, and I can't tell you how aggravating it is to see jerks getting nasty to staff. We all get testy from time to time, but what does it benefit you to berate a - say - supermarket checker because the line is long. The employee has nothing to do with staffing, and I happen to be behind you in line, butthole, and have to listen to you complain on top of everything else. I always say something to the employee when I move up in the line like "that person was a complete jerk and you handled yourself very well."

Sorry to rant, but I really believe any worker trying to do his job is entitled to the same respect as a CEO (well, more these days).

Oh, Lord love a duck. Whatever that means.

Tunkamerica

(4,444 posts)
19. so it was a paralegal, not a bill collector? i know 2 paralegals and the job requirements
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 05:48 AM
Oct 2012

are: be breathing, and be breathing.

Art_from_Ark

(27,247 posts)
21. Apparently so
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:30 AM
Oct 2012

"Collier says he called Gurstel's office, and an unidentified paralegal told him he would have to sue to get the money. When he said the money was exempt veteran disability payments, "the assistant told Michael, 'F--- you! Pay us your money! You can't afford an attorney. You owe us. I hope your wife divorces your a--. If you would have served our country better you would not be a disabled veteran living off social security while the rest of us honest Americans work our a-- off. Too bad; you should have died.'" (Spelling as in complaint.)

w0nderer

(1,937 posts)
28. wonder how it would have sounded
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 10:09 AM
Oct 2012

face to face before Collier was injured, and when in uniform

mouthing off to someone who spent years training to execute the profession of 'war' isn't always a really brilliant idea

fortunately for the paralegal
1 Collier is disabled
2 Collier is more civilized than the paralegal

Blue_Tires

(55,445 posts)
59. A lot of shitty, low-rent law firms are getting into the collections racket
Mon Oct 15, 2012, 07:53 PM
Oct 2012

I've dealt with them before, and on cue they can turn incredibly unpleasant and unprofessional if the conversation isn't going in the direction they want it...And their threats/stonewalling when you dare ask about more details on your supposed debt is nothing short of illegal...

They count on their targets being easily intimidated, and totally ignorant of their legal rights, and they're usually right...

UnseenUndergrad

(249 posts)
56. Not so bad unless
Mon Oct 15, 2012, 01:56 AM
Oct 2012

The story involves

A. Conspiracies
B. rebellions in countries nominally allied to Russia.
C. Julian Assange
D. Putin with his shirt off

DiverDave

(4,886 posts)
17. When you think they can go no lower.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 04:55 AM
Oct 2012

Then this.
I'm so pissed off I could go and hunt this piece of shit down.
God damn him.
He is awfully lucky He aint around here.
I wish I could thank the vet for sacrificing his body...

antigone382

(3,682 posts)
48. Give him a call and tell him so!
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:33 PM
Oct 2012

info@gurstel.com
866-572-7282

Minnesota:
p 763-267-6700
f 763-267-6777

Arizona:
p 480-966-9300
f 480.420.2245

Iowa:
p 515-868-0462
f 515-244-0506

http://www.gurstel.com/contact

AsahinaKimi

(20,776 posts)
18. THIS IS THE REPUBLICAN ATTITUDE!
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 04:57 AM
Oct 2012

It makes me so mad, I could spit nails. There are not words harsh enough for Republicans. They just need their asses kicked out of government. What I am thinking now could not be printed here...

Berlum

(7,044 posts)
20. There's your steenkin Republican Chickenhawk Family Values
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:24 AM
Oct 2012

Pathetic debt collector (R) -- no doubt gets his philosophy from multi-millionaire Republican propagandist Rush 'DraftDodger' Limbaugh (R).

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
22. I hope the guy wins millions
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 07:25 AM
Oct 2012

and is able not only to pay off the $6,000, but live more comfortably because of what these animals did.

Diclotican

(5,095 posts)
23. kpete
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 08:18 AM
Oct 2012

kpete

Wow, that's hard words - and nasty words.. But somehow I suspect they can act that way, to get their money - and in the climate of outright hate for the disabled ones, this is something that is just the tip of the iceberg.. I suspect it is a few more stories out there to collect if anyone just want to do it...

To treat a veteran for one of US wars that way - distasefull... I hope the Veteran win the Lawsuit, and Curgstel Chargo, and the one who mistreated and misused the poor veteran that hard, will be fined out of existence.. In fact I hope the veteran will be given enough money to be able to live out the rest of the life in a comfortable way - and with no money problems what so ever...

Diclotican

CreekDog

(46,192 posts)
42. No they can't break laws and get their money --not legally at least
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 05:33 PM
Oct 2012

I hope this turns out okay too.

Diclotican

(5,095 posts)
52. CreekDog
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 07:44 PM
Oct 2012

CreekDog

I suspect they at least will try to do it, inside the law - or outside the law - and if they is cough, they might have to pay a fine, who is less than a percent of their weekly earnings - so it might not even hurt them... And in the meantime, others who might have doing US a great service treat their "customers" the same way... Most pepole who have this problems, is to ashamed to really fight it - they just buckle under the preasure...

Diclotican

Cirque du So-What

(25,941 posts)
27. 'Fuck you, pay me!'
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 09:40 AM
Oct 2012

The message is the same, whether it's from 'legit' debt collectors or from having Paulie Cicero for a business partner.

allan01

(1,950 posts)
31. re: ‘You should’ve served US better and died!’ Debt collector berates disabled veteran
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 10:22 AM
Oct 2012

normaly i dont swear but who is this mother fucking cock sucker think he is ? god? most people dont know what its like on the front lines and or to be disabled and or not work . this guy gave the ulitmate sacrafice of mind. body and limb for his country and now cant work . im glad that the ariticle said that his income is exempt. the banks forgave the student loans of steve jobs and so furth, now they want the money back and going after folk like him .i hope he has a good mouth peice and wins big on that sop for defaming him like that. unless you do the walk and do the talk SHUT THE FUCK UP. ( ps i went and regeistered on sept 15 1970 my bday and was 4fd , at least i did my duty of regestring ) i wonder about that @#$%^&*( debt collector .di d he even register for selective service ? still required ya know !!( you should have died ) MEH

antigone382

(3,682 posts)
49. That is a beautiful rant. Now say it to them directly! Let them know!
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:34 PM
Oct 2012
http://www.gurstel.com/contact

info@gurstel.com
866-572-7282

Minnesota:
p 763-267-6700
f 763-267-6777

Arizona:
p 480-966-9300
f 480.420.2245

Iowa:
p 515-868-0462
f 515-244-0506

gopiscrap

(23,761 posts)
34. All debt collectors are scum living off of the people's misery
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 10:34 AM
Oct 2012

BTW: irony here, my name is Michael Collier also

 

elbloggoZY27

(283 posts)
41. Extreme Ugliness
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 03:02 PM
Oct 2012

Where else but in the good ole United States would a person make such a rude comment about a Veteran.

As a Vietnam Veteran I take these kind of comments completely sad and very ugly. It's the Patriots and Veterans of every War that saved this Country which should include those civilians who worked in Factories at home while their husbands, fathers and sons fought for the United States.

I have been to the grave sites of these hero's.

Smilo

(1,944 posts)
43. Send email to them..............
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 05:52 PM
Oct 2012

OMG this is so digusting so vile, so absolutely wrong and this agency should try being on the receiving end of their what their staff say.

Use this site to send them an email - http://easylawyersdirectory.com/legal_advice/message/gurstel-staloch-chargo_3708.html

This is their recruiting email - Shawna Christensen at shawna.christensen@gurstel.com.

info@gurstel.com
866-572-7282

Minnesota:
p 763-267-6700
f 763-267-6777

Arizona:
p 480-966-9300
f 480.420.2245

Iowa:
p 515-868-0462
f 515-244-0506

dorksied

(348 posts)
44. I haven't read a story that infurated me this much in a long time...
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:15 PM
Oct 2012

and while I'm angry at the collector, I'm more angry at the fact that this has become a commonly used talking point on the right. I'm a registered independent, but I've never heard of a Republican worth my vote, so I vote Dem most of the time, but things like this, and the Right Wing narratives just push me further and further to the left.

Fuck the Right. Just fuck em. I hope they get mouth cancer and lose their god damned lying tongues.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
51. So Alan Simpson got a new job?
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 06:56 PM
Oct 2012

Disgusting, just as disgusting as Simpson's claims that Veterans collecting their benefits were 'not helping the country' and seniors collecting the benefits they paid for were 'greedy old geezers'.

A totally Republican attitude.

aint_no_life_nowhere

(21,925 posts)
57. I would hate to be the debt collector's lawyer if this goes before a jury
Mon Oct 15, 2012, 02:05 AM
Oct 2012

His lawyer should advise him to settle at all costs.

Dr. Strange

(25,921 posts)
58. Actually, it's the lawyer that pulled this stunt in the first place.
Mon Oct 15, 2012, 03:36 PM
Oct 2012
But the debt collection agency’s lawyer continued to harass the couple. Telling Collier “he would need to get a lawyer in order to get his money back,” an unidentified paralegal cursed at and threatened him over the phone.


I don't know if that makes the collection agency at fault, or the law firm representing them.
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