From the desk of the  Dutchess of Wales   October 3, 2005     Dear State Farm Insurance,   I am writing to express my extreme anger and deepest disappointment at your formerly respectable company. A few days ago, while enjoying a wonderfully delightful rerun of Charles in Charge, a program that has earned the respect of its viewers, unlike you, a commercial for your company occurred during a break. The image of a man standing in front of the destruction that was once his home was presented. The man looked distraught and depressed and seemed as if he had no idea what to do first. Another man, which was alluded to be his insurance agent, appeared at his side and patted him on the back. A voice from the sky said, “We’re here for you” and was followed by text that stated, “Ameriquest is committed to helping those affected by Hurricane Katrina.”   I was absolutely appalled by such a commercial. Didn’t you see the movie Bounce? In Ben Affleck’s finest performance (before Gigli of course), an advertising agent could not live with the guilt of knowing that his agency’s profits boosted (as expected and hoped for) after they created a commercial and print campaign stating they were “committed to helping those affected” by a recent plane crash.   I could not believe that you would create an advertising campaign that would work off the tragedy of a horrible natural disaster. There were thousands of people affected by the hurricane and you are promoting your company by using their personal misfortune as a scare tactic in hopes that people who have not lived through such a calamity will run out and buy State Farm Home Insurance because they are afraid to be without it now.   And I’m sure your insurance agents are just RUNNING OUT to pat the victims of Hurricane Katrina on the back and help them pick through the rubble that was once every personal belonging they owned. Bullshit. You are despicable people and should be ashamed of yourself. If you want to help the victims, shut up and file their claims and give them the money they need to rebuild. They don’t need you to advertise your company on their behalf.   I could just- Well- I could just stop being a client of yours because of this!!! But, I won’t. I’ll be like every other American and bitch and moan and not do a damn thing about it!! So how’s that State Farm Insurance?! HUH?! What are you going to do about that?!   Sincerely up yours, Dutchess of Wales                         P.S. This goes for you too Ameriquest Mortgage Company, who created the same              exact commercial!!