So, You Want $15 An Hour?

[Ross Dolan]

Nonetheless, staff can be reduced. Instead of having 10 employees up front, there will be two.

It is almost certain that places like Walmart (and the company SG supposedly owns) will have fewer and fewer human employees as time goes on. One of the failings of current American capitalism is the total lack of humanity…of any sense of social obligation. The companies live by the standard of, “We are to make as much profit as possible…and fuck any other responsibilities.”

Unfortunately, for humans, that means using as few of them…and giving them as little compensation for their contributions as possible.

I personally think it is an unsustainable situation, but only time will tell. And handling it the way it may have to be handled in order to get substantive change, is going to make war over land seem tame.

 

[Dutch Uncle]

It is almost certain that places like Walmart (and the company SG supposedly owns) will have fewer and fewer human employees as time goes on. One of the failings of current American capitalism is the total lack of humanity…of any sense of social obligation. The companies live by the standard of, “We are to make as much profit as possible…and fuck any other responsibilities.”

Unfortunately, for humans, that means using as few of them…and giving them as little compensation for their contributions as possible.

I personally think it is an unsustainable situation, but only time will tell. And handling it the way it may have to be handled in order to get substantive change, is going to make war over land seem tame.

Companies are the Scorpion in the Scorpion and the Frog story. It's the function of government to regulate business. It's government that is failing, not the companies for doing what companies do (make money).

 

[Street Glider]

I used to write POS (point of sale) software, though sometimes it felt like POS stood for something else. I keep my toe in the water, and own part of a POS company. I can reassure you that you are wrong.

There needs to be some people working self service to help customers, and to confront thieves. AI will not be good enough by 2025 to do either. There are many moral questions we have to answer before we let computers decide how to confront potential thieves leaving the store. In general, you need at least 2 employees in the area of the cash registers, so that if one is distracted, there is a backup. They generally watch for anything going wrong, whether on purpose or not.

My comment about being 100% self-serve was with regards to front of store cashiers only. Apologies if that wasn't clear.

Different departments; electronics and automotive in particular, will still have cashiers, and there will certainly be customer service people and people to monitor the self-check lanes...

 

[Street Glider]

Yeah, sure. I'd say I am sorry that I own you...but it would be lying. And I do not do that, despite your claims that I do.

Well, you do lie. That's clear. You say I'm devoid of humanity. Well, I've given several examples of why that's not true, because I thought you were wanting a serious discussion, yet you've been a monumental failure at providing even one example to support your stupid statement.

You don't want a serious discussion about anything...

Sure! All I can do is make a guess, but my guess is, as some have already charged, that you are a phony just here bullshitting us.

The only one still ringin' that bell is you, old man. And your opinion is pretty meaningless...

It is not impossible that you actually are what you claim, but considering how little control you have over your temper and conduct, it is unlikely.

When I need to be, I assure you, I'm as professional and poised as can be.

When it comes to dealing with lying racist assholes on the interwebs, though, I've far less patience...

I do enjoy watching you constantly patting yourself on the back, though. You do it so well!

Is there a problem with being proud of what you've accomplished?

Like, when you get the spoonful of apple sauce into your mouth without any dripping onto your bib. You have every right to be proud of that!

Trust you??? C'mon. We're having a serious discussion here.

As noted, you don't want to have a serious discussion. You're incapable of it...

Anyway, I have handed lots of things to lots of people...and to you...I have handed you your ass.

If you do not understand that I have, just Google "handed him his ass" and you will see that I have on several occasions...on a fucking plate!

I'm sure you believe that...

I am not a racist...

Sure you are...

 

[Street Glider]

It is almost certain that places like Walmart (and the company SG supposedly owns) will have fewer and fewer human employees as time goes on.

Wow, I'd better go stop my HR Director. She's got three interviews set up today for potential new hires.

Obviously my companies are nowhere near as large as Wal-Mart. I enjoy people. I'd rather hear people talking about their weekend or last night's ball game than I would the constant whirring of some machine. Sure we have some, but they're useless without the human component...

One of the failings of current American capitalism is the total lack of humanity…of any sense of social obligation.

Sadly, even where that humanity and sense of social obligation is present, you dismiss it. You're the sort who'll never be happy. You want nothing more than to take as much as possible from those who have more than you, regardless of what those people already give. Your complete dismissal of what me and my companies have done is crystal clear evidence of that. That's okay. I can accept that you're just that kind of person. The sad part is that you're unable to man up and admit it to yourself...

The companies live by the standard of, “We are to make as much profit as possible…and fuck any other responsibilities.”

What do you believe is the point of being in business? That's a serious question.

For a very brief period after retiring from the Navy, I worked for a guy building guitars. I also handled sales for the company, and had managed to get us a distributor in the UK. He loved the guitars, and was ordering a dozen at a time. He once told me "I'll take everything you can build." He'd gotten us a good deal media coverage there and things were really taking off. One day he told me "I have to have start getting 24 guitars with this next order." I've got orders but no stock!"

I'm thinkin' "SWEET!"

So I go out into the shop and tell the owner that the guy in the UK wants to double his order to 24 pieces every two weeks. I'm thinkin' this is where we want to be. We're selling everything we're making and demand for the product shows no sign of slowing down. Life is good!

Well, the owner turns to me and says "You call him back and you tell that sonofabitch that he'll get what I decide to send him."

I was stunned. Every morning I'd come to work thinking about ways to grow the business. The doubling of that UK order meant we'd need to hire at least one more person, if not two. Some more tooling, we increase our output and life would be grand.

Seeing his reaction, though, told me one thing: Whereas, at age 38, I wanted the company to be successful, he did not. He just wanted a place where he could go every day to get away from the wife and be busy.

I left my shop keys on the front steps of his house two days later...

 

[Ross Dolan]

Well, you do lie. That's clear. You say I'm devoid of humanity. Well, I've given several examples of why that's not true, because I thought you were wanting a serious discussion, yet you've been a monumental failure at providing even one example to support your stupid statement.

I don't have to give examples of your lack of humanity. You brag about having no humanity...no meaningful social conscience. You are a tremendous help in my argument that you seem to have no humanity.

You don't want a serious discussion about anything...

Yeah, I do. And I've had many during the two + decades of Internet discussions. I'd love to have a serious discussion about the reasons for your lack of humanity...if you are willing. Or, you can just continue with that childish "old man" nonsense. I get a huge kick out of it.

The only one still ringin' that bell is you, old man. And your opinion is pretty meaningless...

No, I am not the only one. Some here, in fact, are MORE convinced that you are a phony.

When I need to be, I assure you, I'm as professional and poised as can be.

You should be more in charge of yourself than you have been here. But, you allow me to push your buttons...and you react just the way I intend for you to react.

You might try changing that, although I doubt you actually can.

When it comes to dealing with lying racist assholes on the interwebs, though, I've far less patience...

But you are dealing with me, here, SG...and I am not an asshole nor a liar nor a racist.

Is there a problem with being proud of what you've accomplished?

Not at all. But there comes a point where continually pounding yourself on the back starts to look foolish. That happened with you pages ago.

Like, when you get the spoonful of apple sauce into your mouth without any dripping onto your bib. You have every right to be proud of that!

Good grief. That is so childish, even an out-of-control person like you should avoid it. Don't let me have so much control over you. Show some spine.

As noted, you don't want to have a serious discussion. You're incapable of it...

I want a serious discussion...and I am more than capable of it. I've had comments of discussion published in many major media sources. An op ed sized piece in The New York Times...and a full page My Turn in Newsweek Magazine, for instance. (Many more op ed pieces in other newspapers around the country.)

I certainly do not mind a serious discussion with an amateur like you...although you would have to be a bit more in control for that to happen.

I'm sure you believe that...

I know I have handed you your ass...and I get a laugh out of the fact that you think I haven't.

Sure you are...

Amateur...still trying that method of discussion. If we ever do have a serious discussion, I gotta figure a way to help you break free of the amateurism. There is a much easier way to do what you are trying to do.

 

[Ross Dolan]

Wow, I'd better go stop my HR Director. She's got three interviews set up today for potential new hires.

Yup. To make more money for you...not as part of a social obligation of any sort. I'm not even saying you, or any company, has one. Just that "not having a social obligation" is one of the failings of today's American capitalism.

Obviously my companies are nowhere near as large as Wal-Mart.

Really!

Well, from all the back slapping, I though they might be...or that you considered them to be so.

I enjoy people. I'd rather hear people talking about their weekend or last night's ball game than I would the constant whirring of some machine. Sure we have some, but they're useless without the human component...

Okay. I am sure you and your workers just love romping in the meadow picking daisies and such. But as for the people who are not productive...fuck them, right. If they starve or have no shelter...that is just a part of living in a capitalistic economy where capitalism has gone ape shit.

Sadly, even where that humanity and sense of social obligation is present, you dismiss it.

I never "dismiss" humanity...and genuine concern of one human for others. Never!

You're the sort who'll never be happy.

I am one of the most happy, most content people on Earth. Things just seem to break right for me...and on those occasions when they don't, it slides off my back like water off a duck. To suppose I will never be happy is an absurdity. We oughta have a beer together...or play a round of golf. You'd soon be disabused of that notion.

You want nothing more than to take as much as possible from those who have more than you, regardless of what those people already give. Your complete dismissal of what me and my companies have done is crystal clear evidence of that. That's okay. I can accept that you're just that kind of person. The sad part is that you're unable to man up and admit it to yourself...

You are more off-base than you suppose I am.

Get your shit together. And perhaps we can have a reasonable, intelligent discussion. YOU have made this discussion about YOU. It is not and never has been about you. Not everything is about YOU.

What do you believe is the point of being in business? That's a serious question.

If you want my opinion, you should ask for my opinion.

The point of being in business, in my opinion, is to earn a living. It most assuredly is NOT to supply jobs as some sort of informal societal obligation. In fact, hiring as few people as possible is an intrinsic part of running a successful business...just as renting or owning "factory" at as cheap a price as possible is.

So???

For a very brief period after retiring from the Navy, I worked for a guy building guitars. I also handled sales for the company, and had managed to get us a distributor in the UK. He loved the guitars, and was ordering a dozen at a time. He once told me "I'll take everything you can build." He'd gotten us a good deal media coverage there and things were really taking off. One day he told me "I have to have start getting 24 guitars with this next order." I've got orders but no stock!"

I'm thinkin' "SWEET!"

So I go out into the shop and tell the owner that the guy in the UK wants to double his order to 24 pieces every two weeks. I'm thinkin' this is where we want to be. We're selling everything we're making and demand for the product shows no sign of slowing down. Life is good!

Well, the owner turns to me and says "You call him back and you tell that sonofabitch that he'll get what I decide to send him."

I was stunned. Every morning I'd come to work thinking about ways to grow the business. The doubling of that UK order meant we'd need to hire at least one more person, if not two. Some more tooling, we increase our output and life would be grand.

Seeing his reaction, though, told me one thing: Whereas, at age 38, I wanted the company to be successful, he did not. He just wanted a place where he could go every day to get away from the wife and be busy.

I left my shop keys on the front steps of his house two days later...

Interesting story.

Your point?

 

[Street Glider]

I don't have to give examples of your lack of humanity. You brag about having no humanity...no meaningful social conscience.

That's simply not true. I've given examples to the contrary. Your choice to ignore them in no way negates them...

I'd love to have a serious discussion about the reasons for your lack of humanity...if you are willing.

I've lost count of the number of times I've tried engaging you in a serious discussion, but all you seem to want to do is claim I have no humanity and stupidly declare that you've handed my ass to me, as if trying to have a serious conversation is some sort of competition...

No, I am not the only one. Some here, in fact, are MORE convinced that you are a phony.

I'm sure that, for you, what faceless people on an internet forum think of you is important...

You should be more in charge of yourself than you have been here. But, you allow me to push your buttons...and you react just the way I intend for you to react.

You might try changing that, although I doubt you actually can.

And how would I do that? By trying to have a serious, mature discussion? Sorry, Pops, I've tried that and you ignore it...

But you are dealing with me, here, SG...and I am not an asshole nor a liar nor a racist.

I certainly have no reason to believe otherwise...

I want a serious discussion...

There has been zero indication of that...

and I am more than capable of it.

Given the number of times I've tried to do it, no, I don't believe you are...

I've had comments of discussion published in many major media sources. An op ed sized piece in The New York Times...and a full page My Turn in Newsweek Magazine, for instance. (Many more op ed pieces in other newspapers around the country.)

What does that have to do with anything? You accuse me of trying to impress with my money yet, in the next breath, you try to impress with your resume...

I certainly do not mind a serious discussion with an amateur like you...although you would have to be a bit more in control for that to happen.

We can't have a serious conversation if everything you say is "You have no humanity and I've handed you your ass." That's not how serious conversations go but, thus far, that's all you seem capable of offering...

I know I have handed you your ass...and I get a laugh out of the fact that you think I haven't.

How does repeatedly whining about me having no humanity equate to handing me my ass? After all, whining about my lack of humanity is all you've done. You need to bring more to the table...

Amateur...still trying that method of discussion. If we ever do have a serious discussion, I gotta figure a way to help you break free of the amateurism. There is a much easier way to do what you are trying to do.

Why would I be interested in discussing why you're a racist? I'm just pointing out that there's not yet been a reason to believe that you aren't...

 

[danielpalos]

We won't need statutory minimum wages with equal protection of our own laws. That means our legislators only need to fix Standards for their State or the Union. Let's say the fixed Standard is solving simple poverty by correcting for the deleterious effects of Capitalism's natural rate of unemployment in our at-will employment States. What is wrong with automatic stabilization of our economy in a market friendly manner that even conforms to our own laws?

All laws of a general nature shall have uniform operation.

 

[Ross Dolan]

That's simply not true. I've given examples to the contrary. Your choice to ignore them in no way negates them...



I've lost count of the number of times I've tried engaging you in a serious discussion, but all you seem to want to do is claim I have no humanity and stupidly declare that you've handed my ass to me, as if trying to have a serious conversation is some sort of competition...



I'm sure that, for you, what faceless people on an internet forum think of you is important...



And how would I do that? By trying to have a serious, mature discussion? Sorry, Pops, I've tried that and you ignore it...



I certainly have no reason to believe otherwise...



There has been zero indication of that...



Given the number of times I've tried to do it, no, I don't believe you are...



What does that have to do with anything? You accuse me of trying to impress with my money yet, in the next breath, you try to impress with your resume...



We can't have a serious conversation if everything you say is "You have no humanity and I've handed you your ass." That's not how serious conversations go but, thus far, that's all you seem capable of offering...



How does repeatedly whining about me having no humanity equate to handing me my ass? After all, whining about my lack of humanity is all you've done. You need to bring more to the table...



Why would I be interested in discussing why you're a racist? I'm just pointing out that there's not yet been a reason to believe that you aren't...

YOU are out of control...and still of the opinion that this thread is about YOU. I guess I owe you and apology. I realize I pushed your buttons and you reacted the way I wanted you to react...and I enjoyed watching you squirm and weasel. But if I did do the apology, I would be lying...and I really do not lie when posting on the Internet.

Anyway...you have NEVER given any evidence that you possess any humanity. You merely have indicated that you are kind to the people who make you money...and who are working to make you money while you are here getting your ass handed to you...by me.

That is not showing humanity...any more than a slave owner shows humanity by keeping his slaves healthy. You are, like the slave owner, simply protecting your "investment."

Open the discussion up beyond just YOU...and you will see that if you do possess any humanity and concern for your fellow humans...it is minimal.

When you get to the point where you can show concern for those among us who were not as smart as you...and got born to parents who did not encourage them to work hard and be self-sufficient. You would show concern for those among us who are not as smart as you...and were born in circumstances that do not allow them to speak and be encouraged by scions of large businesses as YOU.

In other words, YOU would stop being such a jerk-off...and at least consider ways to improve capitalism so that it does not become a vehicle for a very, very, very few to have LOTS...and many, many, many have damn near nothing.

Now...take your ass that I just handed you...and start thinking outside the box you are trapped in.

Or don't...and continue to entertain me.

 

[Street Glider]

YOU are out of control...and still of the opinion that this thread is about YOU. I guess I owe you and apology. I realize I pushed your buttons and you reacted the way I wanted you to react...and I enjoyed watching you squirm and weasel. But if I did do the apology, I would be lying...and I really do not lie when posting on the Internet.

I've no doubt you lie in every aspect of your life...

Anyway...you have NEVER given any evidence that you possess any humanity. You merely have indicated that you are kind to the people who make you money...and who are working to make you money while you are here getting your ass handed to you...by me.

Then you have the reading comprehension skills of wheat toast. I listed what I, and my companies, do with local charities. I'm confident it's far more than anything you might claim to do...

That is not showing humanity...any more than a slave owner shows humanity by keeping his slaves healthy. You are, like the slave owner, simply protecting your "investment."

How does my company sponsoring a two-week long summer camp for underprivileged kids equate to me keeping healthy slaves? See, that's racist on your part. The vast majority of the kids who attend that summer camp are black, and you just referred to them as slaves.

Yeah, but you're not a racist...

Open the discussion up beyond just YOU...and you will see that if you do possess any humanity and concern for your fellow humans...it is minimal.

It's a mystery why you choose to ignore everything I've said, just so you can pretend you've, somehow, come out victorious in all of this...

When you get to the point where you can show concern for those among us who were not as smart as you...and got born to parents who did not encourage them to work hard and be self-sufficient. You would show concern for those among us who are not as smart as you...and were born in circumstances that do not allow them to speak and be encouraged by scions of large businesses as YOU.

I have done that. You've ignored it. Since I'm not a liar like you I won't make up bullshit to try to convince you of anything. You've proven that you're intellectually inept at having a real conversation...

In other words, YOU would stop being such a jerk-off...and at least consider ways to improve capitalism so that it does not become a vehicle for a very, very, very few to have LOTS...and many, many, many have damn near nothing.

I have no idea what you want. I've given you several examples of what I, and my companies, have done and you ignore them.

Why is that?

Now...take your ass that I just handed you...and start thinking outside the box you are trapped in.

It's funny that you think you can "win". I'm comfortable in what I do for others. It has a great impact in my community. I'm able to do these things because my companies are successful. But you can't acknowledge that because you're unable to simply admit that you might be wrong.

My question to you is a serious one, despite being one I don't believe you have the balls to answer: I've listed the charitable things my companies and I have done. How does that equate to me being devoid of humanity?

I already know you won't answer, because I don't think you have the balls. Prove me right...

 

[danielpalos]

Why should we bother taking right-wingers seriously when they always seem to be clueless and Causeless about economics; thus Capitalism, every time it comes up?

Vote Blue not Red!

 

[Walt]

My comment about being 100% self-serve was with regards to front of store cashiers only. Apologies if that wasn't clear.

Different departments; electronics and automotive in particular, will still have cashiers, and there will certainly be customer service people and people to monitor the self-check lanes...

You need employees at the doors to make sure people do not walk off with merchandise, to control who enters the building, and to help people who are confused by how to buy things. It needs to be at least two people, because one could get distracted (or just need to use the bathroom).

The weirdest statistic I have heard is that the pandemic has lowered shoplifting numbers. Apparently, there are bigger shoplifting attacks, but the small shoplifting thefts have dropped more than enough to reduce overall shoplifting.

 

[danielpalos]

Now is the best time to upgrade our infrastructure and rebalance our economy.

 

[Ross Dolan]

I've no doubt you lie in every aspect of your life...

I am sure you are sure of that.

You are wrong so often, I expected you to be wrong about that also.

Then you have the reading comprehension skills of wheat toast. I listed what I, and my companies, do with local charities. I'm confident it's far more than anything you might claim to do...

Oh, so you think what "your companies do with local charities" means you have a humanitarian character.

How cute!

Trump gives to charities.

How does my company sponsoring a two-week long summer camp for underprivileged kids equate to me keeping healthy slaves? See, that's racist on your part. The vast majority of the kids who attend that summer camp are black, and you just referred to them as slaves.

Read what I actually wrote...and comment on THAT...rather than distorting it and arguing with your distortion.

Yeah, but you're not a racist...

I am absolutely, positively NOT a racist.

It's a mystery why you choose to ignore everything I've said, just so you can pretend you've, somehow, come out victorious in all of this...

I love it when someone like you is getting an ass-kicking...and doesn't even realize it. You are a joy, SG. I look forward to your posts more than you can imagine.

I have done that. You've ignored it. Since I'm not a liar like you I won't make up bullshit to try to convince you of anything. You've proven that you're intellectually inept at having a real conversation...

I am more than intellectually adept to deal with anything you write...and I have had many pleasurable, interesting, and intellectual conversations in Internet fora.

Your problem is you...not me.

I have no idea what you want. I've given you several examples of what I, and my companies, have done and you ignore them.

Why is that?

I'd like to discuss capitalism and the things that might improve it...not you or your companies. I don't really give a rat's ass about you, your companies, or the broom you rode in on. The thread is NOT about YOU or YOUR COMPANIES.

It's funny that you think you can "win". I'm comfortable in what I do for others. It has a great impact in my community. I'm able to do these things because my companies are successful. But you can't acknowledge that because you're unable to simply admit that you might be wrong.

You are stretching things, SG. Amateurs to this kind of debating often resort to that kind of thing. I'm attempting to school you reasonably, but you are resisting. Relax...take deep breaths...stay calm. I'm not actually saying I am "winning"...I am mostly saying that I am handing you your ass. There is a difference. It is subtle...but you should be able to see it.

My question to you is a serious one, despite being one I don't believe you have the balls to answer: I've listed the charitable things my companies and I have done. How does that equate to me being devoid of humanity?

It doesn't...and I NEVER has said or insinuated that it does. But it also does not show that you are possessing of humanity either. It actually says very little about your character.

There are many people who do charitable things or donate to charities...who are not charitable at all. They do those things as a pretense...as a show. Now, I do not know whether you are doing the charitable work as a show or not, but I do know how you dealt with those early question regarding those who are less fortunate than you with regard to opportunity.

AND THOSE EARLY RESPONSES SHOWED ME A PERSON JUST ABOUT DEVOID OF HUMANITY.

If you want, we could discuss those issues more thoroughly...and perhaps things might change. (I doubt it, seriously!) But, discussing those issues would get us back to the topic of this thread...rather than a discussion of your high opinion of your character any your "successes."

I already know you won't answer, because I don't think you have the balls. Prove me right...

????

 

[Street Glider]

You need employees at the doors to make sure people do not walk off with merchandise, to control who enters the building, and to help people who are confused by how to buy things. It needs to be at least two people, because one could get distracted (or just need to use the bathroom).

The weirdest statistic I have heard is that the pandemic has lowered shoplifting numbers. Apparently, there are bigger shoplifting attacks, but the small shoplifting thefts have dropped more than enough to reduce overall shoplifting.

Yes, you're correct. So far as I know, only the front of store cashiers are being replaced by the self-serve kiosks. It's not like they're getting rid of everyone...

 

[Street Glider]

I am sure you are sure of that.

No, I'm not...

Oh, so you think what "your companies do with local charities" means you have a humanitarian character.

How cute!

Would it be better if we didn't sponsor those summer camps or donate and volunteer at women's shelters and no-kill animal shelters?

I'd bet a dollar to a donut that those represent three more things than you do...

Read what I actually wrote...and comment on THAT...rather than distorting it and arguing with your distortion.

Not many white inner city kids in Jacksonville. You said what you said. You referred to them as slaves.

Because you're a racist...

I am absolutely, positively NOT a racist.

Sure you are, and I just explained how you're a racist...

I love it when someone like you is getting an ass-kicking...and doesn't even realize it.

What "ass kicking", exactly?

How is this a competition. Have you done so little in your pathetic little life that now that, at your advanced age, you're forced to consider your own mortality and feel you need to "win"?

Seriously, the fat that someone so old, and allegedly so wise, would look at this as some sort of competition. Children do what you're doing...

You are a joy, SG. I look forward to your posts more than you can imagine.

That's actually sad that your life is so devoid of joy that the only time you feel you have value is when you're either insulting black people or online...

I am more than intellectually adept to deal with anything you write...and I have had many pleasurable, interesting, and intellectual conversations in Internet fora.

You have dementia. Many people your age do...

Your problem is you...not me.

I don't have many problems and, I can assure you, you're not nearly impactful enough to be one of them...

I'd like to discuss capitalism and the things that might improve it...not you or your companies. I don't really give a rat's ass about you, your companies, or the broom you rode in on. The thread is NOT about YOU or YOUR COMPANIES.

I see. So, you're not interested in someone who has actual experience in the arena. I get that. You're outmatched and that frightens you.

If you truly want to discuss capitalism and how to make it better, I'm all in. Let's do it. But expecting me to not use my own positive experiences in the formulation of my opinions is the height of ignorance.

So, let's discuss it: How do you think capitalism can be improved?

You are stretching things, SG. Amateurs to this kind of debating often resort to that kind of thing. I'm attempting to school you reasonably, but you are resisting. Relax...take deep breaths...stay calm. I'm not actually saying I am "winning"...I am mostly saying that I am handing you your ass. There is a difference. It is subtle...but you should be able to see it.

I'm stretching nothing, and my observations about you are 100% accurate. You've done nothing to show otherwise except to repeatedly claim you're handing me my ass. Well, you're not. I know you're not because you have to keep saying it...

It doesn't...and I NEVER has said or insinuated that it does. But it also does not show that you are possessing of humanity either. It actually says very little about your character.

Likewise, then, if we stopped our charitable works that, too, would say little, correct?

There are many people who do charitable things or donate to charities...who are not charitable at all. They do those things as a pretense...as a show. Now, I do not know whether you are doing the charitable work as a show or not...

Personally, I started my charitable contributions when I was in the Navy, giving to Navy Relief and CFC. As I moved up in rank my donations to both increased. When I retired, I ensured there were two deductions from my pension: one deduction for VGLI and another for Navy Relief. When my businesses started operating in the black we started donations and volunteering. We've been doing it locally for the last 14 years.

Now, if you think that's "just for show", I don't know what to tell you. But the amount of money we donate is significant, as is the time spent by me and my employees on volunteer opportunities...

but I do know how you dealt with those early question regarding those who are less fortunate than you with regard to opportunity.

My employees all know they have great opportunities within my companies. They know if they want to go to college to better themselves that the company will give them grants to pay for their education. They know that if they run into hard times they can come to the company for help. If that makes me "devoid of humanity", well, then I guess I'm devoid of humanity.

In your eyes, anyway. Certainly not in the eyes of the people who matter to me...

AND THOSE EARLY RESPONSES SHOWED ME A PERSON JUST ABOUT DEVOID OF HUMANITY.

I reacted that way for a very specific reason.

I'm not sure if it was you or someone else, but the comment was made that if someone asked me for a raise I would show them the door. That was an outright lie. When I challenged someone to show me where I did say it, they proved to be a failure (huh, maybe it was you).

But the truth is I never said that. What I did say was that anyone demanding a raise, simply because they want one, would be shown the door. I always make time to look at the requests of my employees. I do that because I value them. But that's a two-way street. Someone who feels he can demand something of me, and then insist I comply with his demands, is someone who doesn't have a home at my company. If you consider that to be "devoid of humanity", well, guilty as charged...

If you want, we could discuss those issues more thoroughly...and perhaps things might change. (I doubt it, seriously!) But, discussing those issues would get us back to the topic of this thread...rather than a discussion of your high opinion of your character any your "successes."

I've repeatedly attempted to get you into a conversation about those things, but all you seem interested in doing is repeatedly claiming to have handed my ass to me, as if that could possibly mean anything. You act as though my skills at debate, somehow, transfer over to my willingness and ability to do charitable works. Seriously, dude, I don't get you. You say you want to discuss things but, when I try, it's as if you tuck tail and run. I guess I'll try one more time: Let's discuss those things. How do you think we can improve capitalism?

 

[Walt]

Yes, you're correct. So far as I know, only the front of store cashiers are being replaced by the self-serve kiosks. It's not like they're getting rid of everyone...

So if you replace 6 cashiers with 2 self-serve watchers, you can pay the self-serve watchers twice as much, and still make money. Or you can have them work less hours. Or you can do both.

Being a self-serve watcher might be more interesting work, but you are only doing the problems. Being a cashier is just about scanning, and is really simple.

The only problem is the new jobs require [slightly] smarter, [slightly] more self-motivated employees. There is other automation that requires much smarter, much more self-motivated employees. Almost all new automation pushes employees into being smarter, more motivated. And that is a problem.

 

[Street Glider]

So if you replace 6 cashiers with 2 self-serve watchers, you can pay the self-serve watchers twice as much, and still make money. Or you can have them work less hours. Or you can do both.

They're actually replacing 10 cashier's with the self-serve kiosks. I have no idea what the monitors get paid but, yeah, I would think they could be paid more and Wal-Mart would still save money. I don't know that they would pay them twice as much, though...

Being a self-serve watcher might be more interesting work, but you are only doing the problems.

True...

Being a cashier is just about scanning, and is really simple.

Which is one of the reasons Wal-Mart isn't eager to overpay employees to do that job...

The only problem is the new jobs require [slightly] smarter, [slightly] more self-motivated employees.

How is that a problem?

There is other automation that requires much smarter, much more self-motivated employees.

How so?

Almost all new automation pushes employees into being smarter, more motivated. And that is a problem.

How could that possibly be a bad thing?

 

[Walt]

How is that a problem?

A lot of people are doing better with automation, but lazy, stupid people who expect to get ahead just because they are white men are absolutely being killed by automation.