Today's take-back day. Can we use that idea for more than just Christmas presents?

Date published: 12/26/2005

THERE'S A pretty good chance you're taking something back today.

Yeah, not everyone celebrates Christmas, so maybe you didn't get presents yesterday. And, maybe, when I use the phrase "pretty good chance," I'm not giving your gift-givers enough credit.

But, according to a recent survey by the Washington-based National Retail Federation, 49 percent of shoppers enclose either a gift receipt or an original receipt with a gift most or some of the time.

What does this mean? Are we all anxious that our picks aren't right? Do we not know our loved ones well enough to get the right thing?

I won't hazard a guess. But what I do know is that this little- or no-penalty second-chance policy seems like a great idea.

In fact, I think it should be implemented all over.

Rafael Palmeiro, who contributed to the mock-worthiness of my Baltimore Orioles this season, needed this earlier in the year.

He used what apparently were steroids, claiming that vitamin B-12 might have caused his positive test result for the performance-enhancer.

So, really, what Raffy was asking was, "Can you take these steroids back? What I really wanted was the B-12."

And what about in June when New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft handed Russian President Vladimir Putin a 2005 Super Bowl ring? After speculation that Kraft didn't mean to part with the ring, he claimed that it was a gift to Putin.

There's no talk of a receipt here, but you can bet old Bob would like to have that "gift" back.

Relationship matters come to mind, too.

What I've said all year when my wife asked me to do something I didn't want to do: "I am NOT doing that!"

What I would say now, if I could take those words back: "Of course, I'll do that. And what else can I do for you, darling?"

Then there's Paul Goldman. He's not necessarily a household name here, but he's Richmond Mayor Doug Wilder's chief aide and known statewide as a political consultant.

Last week, he was suspended without pay for helping Gov.-elect Tim Kaine's campaign without getting permission from Richmond officials. The work paid $15,000.

Now, I don't know all the ins and outs of this deal, so I'm not going to say it was shady. But, as so many have said, it certainly looks bad for everyone involved.

Here's a man who needs a gift receipt if anyone ever did.

"Uh yeah this $15,000 check, it's great. But I really can't use it.

"Can you take it back, and just pretend I was never here? I think I can make do with my annual salary and benefits totaling $145,000."

To reach JONATHAN HUNLEY: 540/368-5004
Email: jhunley@freelancestar.com Read his blog at fredericksburg.com/blogs/view?blogger_id=4

Date published: 12/26/2005