The Worst They Can Do is Say "No"

So here's an actual conversation I had yesterday with my boss:

GZ: Dan, can I have a 19" monitor?
Dan: Ummm...
GZ: I know I don't exactly deserve it based upon my "rank" but I at least had the balls to come in here and ask for it.
Dan: Let me ask some folks.

And so he does. And we get the answer back that it's being worked on.

That's better than a straight-up no.

I guess all you have to do is ask.