Today I had an experience that should have never occurred. It was very upsetting and difficult to charge to the fact that "it takes all kinds."

Having parked next to one clearly marked handicapped parking spot, in front of Citibank on Hempstead Turnpike, I was verbally attacked by an elderly man upon returning to my car. He began to rant and rave about giving me a ticket (a $100 fine) for unauthorized parking in a handicapped zone. When I started to explain that I didn't realize it was a handicapped zone (there was no third blue line to indicate a second slot) his fury escalated into yelling that I was stupid and because of people like me, who don't give a damn, the handicapped are made to suffer. His verbal abuse continued and when I tried to defend myself against his accusations, his voice reached such a pitch, people began to stare.

Thinking he was probably a retired police officer, who (in his own mind) was still on the job, I asked who he was. Whereupon, with attitude, he identified himself as the Assistant Vice Commander of a local VFW post, authorized to ticket people like me, and challenged me to check with the police department about his authority. I did, but the 8th Precinct never heard of him. When his continued declarations of power did not make me cower, he walked away, spewing forth selected expletives.

I know I should feel sorry for this man who appears insecure, angry, and unhappy, with little purpose in life except to prove his own worth through the failure of others, but I am so filled with hurt and resentment, as I did not deserve this abuse. No one does. I would never take an easy way out at the expense of another, much less one who is handicapped. How dare this self-appointed "wannabe deputy," presenting himself as a representative of the VFW organization, subject me to public humiliation and harassment. I know the VFW would never condone, advocate, or encourage action of this kind.

After all was said and done, this man did succeed in raising my blood pressure to dangerous levels and reduce me to tears. I have contacted the highway department of the Town of Hempstead, requesting they research and correct the handicap designation (if need be) at that location, so this won't happen again.

If I broke a law, it was unintentional and I am sorry. At 69, I suffered from this confrontation, both emotionally and physically, simply because this person knows not the meaning of common courtesy and acceptable human behavior. Perhaps he considers himself above it all...how sad!