Buffalo Bills’ Post

False Choices - Part IV Brewster's Millions This is the fourth, and last of my posts on false choices. In my previous posts, I explored how others curate our choices. Retailers and other purveyors of services craft and limit our choices for reasons that range from ease-of-logistics to channeling demand to profitable products. While we, Americans, feel that we have an abundance of choices, the alternatives are more similar than different. We observed that the "choices" offered at fast food restaurants like Taco Bell are really just variations of the same ingredients. Not really much of a choice. No discussion of False Choice in 2024 would be complete without a glance at the Presidential election. Or any election for that matter. For many years, my votes have not gone to a candidate that I support, as much as they have been votes against a candidate that I dislike. In almost all elections, we have very little choice. The power of the political parties is such that candidates are curated long before the public has insight. Even at the primary stage, there is very little choice or differentiation between the candidates. Of the 336,500,000 people in the U.S., we rarely have a choice of more than 4 or 5 candidates -- or 0.0000015% (someone please double check my math). Elections and politics may be among the most flagrant False Choices we face. Someone will say that a "write-in" is always an option. Technically, yes. Practically, no. Fast food is not as much of a False Choice as it may seem. We always have the option to saying "no" and eating elsewhere. Or making exactly what we want at home. But we don't have this option when it comes to our political leaders. We MUST choose from the False Choices presented. The only way to correct this problem is to empower the people to say, "No, thank you." Also known as the "None of the Above" option. Every ballot should have NTA. If NTA receives more votes than any candidate, then all parties have 60 days to present new candidates and another election is held. The process repeats until someone gets more votes than NTA. And the incumbent continues to serve until a successor is elected. It's an idea. We need to restore real choice in the political system.

"For the new worker-owners at Wine Source, Baltimore provides a strong community of worker cooperatives to support its business. BRED is instrumental in making that possible, according to a number of sources who spoke with Baltimore Fishbowl. "“I love Baltimore, but … so much of the basis of the city is in exclusion, redlining is in racial segregation,” Christa Daring said. “I think because of that, it has been necessary for communities to come together and band together. And create alternative economic systems for a very long time.”" -Baltimore Fishbowl https://lnkd.in/evZ34TdY #workercoop #cooperatives #cooperativeeconomics #solidarityeconomy #economicdemocracy #democracyatwork #businessowners #sellabusiness #successionplanning #exit #legacy #employeeownership #nonextractivefinance #commerciallending #commerciallending #businessloans #coopfinance #nonextractivefinance #bredbaltimore #seedcommons

I suggest, as a citizen and a voter, that Sen. Warren and Rep. Dean first do the jobs they are hired to do. This work importantly includes protection from enemies (foreign and domestic), securing liberty, and upholding the Constitution. None of the companies mentioned threaten those priorities. In fact, those companies should also enjoy the rights of our founding documents. Last time I checked, we citizens are not required to buy any products from any of these companies. We have freedom of choice to buy or not buy. They have freedom to sell or not sell. If we had no price choices at all to make, that might present some concern. But we have hundreds of alternatives to consider. We remain free, though Sen. Warren and Rep. Dean appear to want to circumscribe the freedom of we, the people, to make our own choices in life. Personally, I prefer public servants other than the above people. Sincerely, A Citizen Voter

It is always interesting to testify before government bodies, whether they be State legislative committees in Frankfort, Jackson, or Baton Rouge, or City Council meetings here in New Orleans. As many times as I have done this, it is still nerve-wracking, despite the fact that I know the issues inside and out. But the hard part is communicating the key points in an impactful and efficient way. I know that what I say is not always heard, but it is always relevant to the discussion now and importantly, in the future. What was it today? Instead of summarizing, I will just post this New Orleans Times-Picayune/Advocate article by Tony McAuley - https://lnkd.in/gDj2Xm2F The interesting thing about this issue is the intersection of neighborhood zoning issues with public health. It also brings up issues of what values do we as citizens of New Orleans want our city to represent. Are we going to educate ourselves about the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke as the leading cause of smoking related cancer and chronic disease. Do we pull ourselves up from 49th in state health rankings, or do we promote business interest over all else, even our own health.

Imagine you're in a crowded café where conversations reverberate, a place where every drink is likened to a potent political metaphor. At one table, a group of Senate Democrats clinks their espresso cups, a fresh wave of optimism steaming from their faces. Their joy mimics the aroma of freshly brewed hope – they see Roe v. Wade written into law, as intentional and permanent as latte art. Vice President Kamala Harris, elegant and poised, steps in like a barista with a new blend – the notorious ‘filibuster carve-out frappe.’ Her first brew with extra zest since taking office. Is this the caffeine jolt needed to invigorate federal abortion rights legislation? • Skeptically Sipping Critics storm, shadowed by doubts: Is this brew lawful or just a half-empty cup? • Thoughtful Regulars wonder, nibbling on croissants, What’s the future flavor of this legislative espresso bar? Certainly provocative – the notion of codifying Roe v. Wade is both revolutionary and rebellious, a gust of radical acid overturning the syrupy stagnation of legislative inaction. Minds swirl like cappuccino froth over the implications: Can a Senate filibuster carve-out drive this law into our daily constitutional menu? Or is it merely another dark roast in the banal café where reform crumbles like biscotti under pressure? Melancholy whispers among bittersweet huddles: “Great reforms, like coffee beans, are ground down under opposing forces but lift spirits when served just right.” Survey the scene and predict: This ambitious legislative brew might bloom into a landmark victory or froth over into lost momentum. Grasp the meaningful oddity and tender allure in the Senate's café talk. Contemplate the bittersweet while anticipating innovation, knowing democracy often tastes both. Boldly forward this conversation to gauge another sweet potential: a nationally codified right amidst a sea of constant beans. Yet let’s end with a streak of darkly humorous peril – laws need grounded debate, not just percolating promises. #RoevWade #Legislation #KamalaHarris #PoliticalReform #Senate #AbortionRights #Filibuster https://lnkd.in/emdgfXDV

https://lnkd.in/g86ajcDu Response: Great Papa Johns post. Listen I have to say this. I don't even need a #Union if the #Employer I have is #Progressive . I will say this over and over. You don't need a Union if your employer tries to make things better for the workers and you feel that is being done in good faith. You need a Union when your employer runs a burnout operation that places unrealistic expectations on every one. Do I have a job intended for people or outcomes? I will Unionize the Outcome-based employment every time. #Productivity does collapse. It is part of having a #Business . This economy is hyper-reactive. You can't make up for it with more hours, burning everyone out and keeping pay low.

🌟💰 Exploring the Benefits of Fast Wage Increases 💰🌟 Embracing rapid wage hikes offer numerous advantages: 1. **Improved Livelihoods**: Higher wages empower workers to cover essential needs like food, housing, and healthcare. This boost addresses the stagnant minimum wage issue, enabling individuals to navigate the rising costs of living. 2. **Reduced Inequality**: Elevating wages narrows income gaps between socioeconomic groups. The evolving nature of fast-food businesses necessitates recognizing these roles as viable career paths. 3. **Economic Boost**: Increased wages drive consumer spending, fostering economic growth as workers invest more in goods and services. 4. **Retention and Productivity**: Increased wages serve as a motivational factor for employees, leading to enhanced performance. Moreover, higher pay attracts top-tier candidates, including recent college graduates aiming to alleviate student loan debt. This competitive environment benefits both graduates and the fast-food industry, bringing in superior customer service skills that are essential for success. 5. **Health and Well-Being**: Adequate wages improve physical and mental health, reducing financial stress. 6. **Less Reliance on Assistance**: Higher wages decrease dependence on government aid programs. 7. **Local Business Support**: Despite initial concerns, increased wages can stimulate local economies. Embracing change and pivot strategies are crucial for progress in any work environment, including the fast-food industry. California's recent move to raise fast-food workers' minimum wage to $20/hour will benefit individuals and our economy. While wage increases pose challenges for businesses, the goal is to achieve a fair and sustainable balance for both employees and employers. Source: Microsoft Start

Popular policies must be good right? In today's blog, I poke holes in the argument that politicians should propose only popular policies. Populist policies are often short term and not thought through. A better way to do it is to set our priorities and judge our politicians against achieving them. Let's put a clear line between democracy and populism. https://lnkd.in/e3vzyw-d Christopher CaldwellAnu MunshiSatjit SinghJP TetiHarsh BatraAmit SinhaAmit Singh Kalley #populism #democracy #elections

Seeing the news about Red Lobster filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy truly resonates with me. It serves as a powerful reminder of how swiftly situations can shift and underscores the necessity for institutions like ours to adapt to ongoing challenges. The church is no exception. As we face our own set of spiritual and financial hurdles, it's imperative that we stay flexible and proactive. By embracing innovation, reevaluating our strategies, and deeply engaging with our community's needs, we can navigate these changing times effectively. Let's view this as a pivotal moment—a call to action. Together, we have the potential not just to endure but to thrive, fostering growth and renewal within our congregations. https://lnkd.in/gxZPiJk7 #ChurchGrowth #Adaptation #CommunityLeadership

Did you purchase Wahlburgers pickles between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023? You might be eligible for compensation from a $2 million settlement over allegations of misleading "natural" labels. Discover how you can claim up to $12 without proof of purchase or a full refund with proof. #Wahlburgers #ClassAction #ConsumerRights #Pickles