How often does it happen that we help a person with whom we had an argument? Almost never. But if you are Patton Oswalt, anything might happen!
The famed comic actor recently got trolled on Twitter by a man, Michael Beatty, for sharing something against President Donald Trump. As expected, a war of words ensued between the two on social media.
Oswalt made a few jokes about Beatty, a retired war veteran. But later, he browsed through Beatty’s Twitter account and discovered that Beatty was going through a medical emergency and needed funds for the treatment.
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Oswalt promptly decided to do the right thing by donating some money, and also urged his followers to do the same.
Aw, man. This dude just attacked me on Twitter and I joked back but then I looked at his timeline and he’s in a LOT of trouble health-wise. I’d be pissed off too. He’s been dealt some shitty cards — let’s deal him some good ones. Click and donate — just like I’m about to. https://t.co/6zRdZ430WG
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 24, 2019
The Tweet had its effect. In around 30 minutes, people had donated generously to fully fund Beatty’s GoFundMe campaign. And what’s more, he ended up receiving $30,000-35,000 more than his original request!
Beatty expressed gratitude to Oswalt in a Tweet.
Patton. You have humbled me to the point where I can barely compose my words. You have caused me to take pause and reflect on how harmful words from my mouth could result in such an outpouring. Thank you for this and I will pass this on to my cousin who needs help. A cascade. pic.twitter.com/6Is7KflPeY
— Michael Beatty (@MichaelBeatty) January 24, 2019
He also said that the experience has led him to re-evaluate relationships and friendships.
@pattonoswalt managed to not only let me slide on a rough tweet to him but started something that has me reevaluating friendships and productive dialogue regardless of political affiliation. He's a good man and I hope that I can meet him one day to cement a relationship.
— Michael Beatty (@MichaelBeatty) January 24, 2019
To which Oswalt thus replied:
What a great way to end the day. If you want to pay this forward, maybe find a GoFundMe for a furloughed government worker who’s feeling the pinch? Or make a big-ass haul o’ goodies to your local food bank? Something? Anything? https://t.co/FSEowiBuyn
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 25, 2019
A war of words on social media rarely takes a good turn. Generally, it gets ugly with the trolls going to extreme lengths to insult and ridicule. But this incident shows how such a situation can lead to something good.
What do you think of this whole incident? Do let us know.
