jakorte's blog

11/11/12
Now that the election is over, I’m gonna clamber up on my patiently waiting, caution sign bright-orange soapbox. With both feet firmly set, arms crossed in impatience, let me repeat the obvious again: The election is over. What are you going to do about it? Gloat? Cry? Continue to bash your “friends” and their opinions? Why continue to post propaganda?

I guess I’m just infuriated by the lack of – yes I’m gonna say it again – common sense. For example, I’m writing this on Veteran’s Day. Throughout the day, I’ve seen a good number of posts reminding veterans that they are entitled to special privileges at restaurants. And all of the sudden, there’s an uproar. Why do veterans get food? Why aren’t these restaurants feeding the homeless? My first reaction was a disbelieving “What? Are these people serious?” Are these the same idiots who believe if you can’t do something nice for everyone – don’t do anything nice for anyone? Who are you to say who should be tended to or who I can tend to within my means? And, by the way, just who the hell are you tending to?

I just kept scrolling for some more good news. Still, that ridiculousness festered in my head. I have a no antagonization policy when it comes to Facebook. I don’t encourage it and I don’t respond to it, at least not directly. I do sometimes write about it, though. I’ve got a special place for things I want to say but never will solely for the purpose of self-preservation.

But, then, there came another post that steamed me up, got my blood pressure pounding, and threw me over the edge of tolerant silence. In a blue-background logo’d post, assuredly designed to capture and give an impression of authenticity , attack and recruitment were simultaneously announced.

“These restaurants are cutting back on employees and employee hours to avoid paying for healthcare – Olive Garden, Applebee’s, Red Lobster, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Burger King and Papa John’s. Boycott them!”
Now I’m not a certified economist, but here goes my college educated micro and macro opinion.
Let’s see, our country is in the midst of a manufacturing unemployment crisis. Probably means people aren’t eating out as much. Probably means that in order to save employee’s jobs and their businesses, businesses are cutting back on hours and benefits. You certainly don’t believe that these are the only restaurants engaged in this activity? For that matter, are you unaware that your grocery store, gas station, doctor’s office, electric company, coffee shop, are playing this game, too?

The answer, isn't boycotting… unless you'd like the restaurants, electric companies, gas stations, grocery stores, etc. to go out of business. Creating even more unemployment? That just doesn't seem like a sound economic plan to me. Unless we can get the government to make our businesses offer benefits! Oh, but wait... we don't want the government to control us or our businesses or our benefits, so I guess that's out. Sigh.

There are only a few routes left as far as I can tell. The first is complete, independent, self-sufficiency. That’d be a tough road for most people. Grow your own food, create your own fuel, make your own clothes – without buying the seed, supplies, or the fabric to do so. Because, chances are, those things are coming from companies who must also cut benefits to retain jobs.

The second is to become a more biblical nation. Yep, I’m going there. Do unto others, lend hands and hearts and shelter and provisions and make donations to those in need, be responsible for our brothers and sisters, quit complaining and give thanks for what we have, pray and never cease praying. Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t believe GOD is going to turn his hand into changing our economy with a thunderclap just because enough of us pray simultaneously. I’m very much hoping though, as we pray our hearts will show us what needs to be done. Maybe our God-given minds will equip us with God-given answers, although I truly believe our God-given souls already know exactly what needs to happen.