Subject:
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Re: It's All About Control (was: Re: Possession)
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Wed, 25 Jun 2003 13:39:37 GMT
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Viewed:
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722 times
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, John Neal wrote:
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You are being nostalgic. Mom and Pop were inefficient. Walmart brought
more variety, more jobs, cheaper prices. Mom and Pop can survive by
marketing their “nostalgia”, catering to folks like you who would be willing >
to put up with higher prices and worse selection to avoid patronizing large
corporations...
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I am not nostalgic in the least -- I calls them as I sees them. Mom and Pop may
have been inefficient, but so ultimately is ANY “bricks ‘n’ mortar” location
except as a distribution center. For many things it is becoming increasingly
clearer that anything but digital distribution is unnecessary.
I deny that Walmart provides more variety or increases job opportunities -- in
fact, I’m quite sure that the opposite is true. BTW, worker dissatisfaction at
Walmart in particular is well documented. As Larry has also noted, Walmart
routinely violates all manner of laws when it suits them.
Mom and Pop cannot survive, that’s why most of them went online (the ones that
are dealing in items that can be sold that way, that is). Or hadn’t you noticed
that trend?
I think when anecdotal evidence becomes the norm of everyone’s experience, it’s
not just an anecdote anymore -- it’s proof of a thing. When I drive down the
main streets of my town I don’t see a vast array of Mom and Pop type stores --
instead I see a McDonald’s, In ‘n Outs, Del Taco, Jamba Juice, Starbuck’s,
Lowe’s, Winco Foods, Costco, Cost Plus, Aron Brother’s, Walmart, Target,
OfficeMax, CompUSA, Borders, Linens ‘n’ Things, Taco Bell, BestBuy, etc.
Locally, I know of only two places that deal in “used” and not retail books.
The one store that was dealing in CDs and old vinyl is now closed. There’s one
local steak house to compare against dozens of places like Outback, Sizzler, and
Black Angus.
Chain stores. It’s all a wasteland of chain stores.
Where’s the variety?
But what’s more is that these chain stores adopt a lowest common denominator
attitude when it comes to hiring employees. Kooties already touched on it, you
are getting the most basic level of service because nothing more is required to
satisfy the uniformity of each location of the chain within the chain as a
whole. Quality is the first thing sacrificed.
When I want a great steak I do not go to Applebee’s or to Sizzler or to the
Black Anguish or even to the Hungry Hunter -- they’re all good for a fast lunch
but when I want something exceptional, they are all off the list of places from
which I might make my selection.
The Harris restaurant on Van Ness in SF is quite nice. The only other location
I know of is half-way down Interstate 5, between SF and LA. Surf and Turf for 2
with champagne will set you back $250 - 350. I like Lawry’s prime rib house on
La Cienega in LA, haven’t been there in forever though. Last time I was in LA,
I went to the Northwood’s Inn in Pasadena. I was disappointed to discover that
the waitresses are no longer wearing the outrageously sexist garb that was the
uniform for the job a mere 5 years ago (think of something like the St. Pauli
girl with fishnets and high heels). The steaks and salads (lettuce with blue
cheese, and red cabbage vinagrette) were great though, as was the cheese-butter
bread.
How about individuals not having to compete with deathless corporations? From
the above, I already know that you are having a knee-jerk response instead of
thinking it through...
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I think that is your governmental view as well-- one world, one government.
That is anti-American. But correct me if I’m wrong in that assumption.
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It just goes to show how little you understand things generally, and my ideas
particularly.
First, what exactly is anti-american? Would that include the flouting of the
Bill of Rights? I think you must be talking about Shrub and not me. I have
repeatedly discussed how the govt. under Shrub is actively seeking to destroy
our constitutional republic. If you have evidence to the contrary, I’d like to
see it.
John -- get thee behind me with your Randian platitudes, this is the real world,
not some neo-classical fantasy world populated by John Galts. I wish. If you
are hunting around for your “one neck for one leash” guy, look to Shrub.
-- Hop-Frog
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: It's All About Control (was: Re: Possession)
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| (...) Disagree. They compete with each other (Although I do recognize that there are some industries that need to be regulated for the common good). (...) You are being nostalgic. Mom and Pop were inefficient. Walmart brought more variety, more (...) (21 years ago, 24-Jun-03, to lugnet.off-topic.debate, FTX)
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