A Nation of Hamburger Flippers

National Review Online ^ | August 18, 2003 | Bruce Bartlett

[dr_who_2]

So you're equating having to voluntarily purchase cheese at an inflated price with going bankrupt and possibly destitute? Gee, harden your heart Pharoah.

I call the farmer who doesn't sell his equipment until well after the market forces him out a fool. It isn't like there isn't a trend here. At one point in time, most of the population of the U.S. was involved in farming, BUT THAT WAS OVER A CENTURY AGO. I suggest that you be more sympathetic to the people out there who can barely afford groceries and don't have a farm and lots of farm equipment to sell.

[dr_who_2]

Actually, a great deal of it is. Part of it is referenced in the above article.

[Paul C. Jesup]

A Nation of Hamburger Flippers

Actually, soon even those jobs will not be an option.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/958007/posts

(sarcasm) Well at the rate things are going, the only jobs left for Americans will be crime itself.

[dr_who_2]

Sending maquilas to Mexico only brought millions of Mexicans flooding over the border to come here --- apparently those low wage jobs didn't really do much for them

They were afraid of the machines, so that's what made them flee to the United States?

[My Favorite Headache]

[jern]

bump for tomorrow read.

[dr_who_2]

Well, you can do what any honest, hardworking American should do in these times and go rob a liquor store. Good luck in your new career.

[q_an_a]

There must be a steel man on this board who can explain the steel contract. Several years ago a person with ten years on the job got 4 weeks vacation AND a three month leave. I recall that this was available every fifth year too. Four months off every five years. I have to think that with sick days, other vacations and this little perk 20% of the labor was not on the job, but getting paid. Is that still the case?

[BiffWondercat]

Actually (trademark) is creating just such a machine. Might as well get a replicator...

[B-Chan]

We have two economic futures before us. In one, we automate and computerize everything, and all human beings are free to stop working, spend more time with their children, and pursue hobbies...

...until one fine spring day when the fine fellows that own the magic machines that make all the food and toys realize that they're screwing themselves by allowing the masses to breed. After all, they reason, the children of all the millions of nonworking, hobby-pursuing former workers are going to grow up some day... as will their children... and their children... until one day the descendants of the former working class come marching over the hill, with all the food, free time, and potential for mischief in the world -- breeding and breeding until the nice, green country estates of the owners are overrun with 'em.

But these are rational men, these owners, Unwilling to live in a world lousy with fecund, nonproducing pests, and unbelieving in the quaint notion of God or the sanctity of human life, the owners of the magic machines decide to act. They have their magic machines cook up a lethal virus (one against which they themselves are incoculated) and then simply spread it around the population of vermin, until the good Earth is fumigated of the no-longer-necessary Useless Eaters. The bodies are fed into the magic machines to be turned into cake and dildoes and perfume later. Problem solved. More room for the quality folk, eh?

And so the great struggle ends. With a contented sigh, the owners of the magic machines can at last coil around their marble columns and enjoy the beauty of Eden made new -- a garden of plenty, unspoiled by the presence of God or of human beings other than themselves. The promise of the Serpent has come true at last: they are no longer human beings; they have become as gods.

I mean, as long as we're writing science fiction here, let's speculate on both sides of the fence...

[Free Vulcan]

self-ping

[Katya]

I have to say, I continually marvel at the abilities of the folks who handle both the ordering, the cash dispersal and at smaller venues packing up of the food,at the drive through window. Seriously, I couldn't do it....they multi-task under stressful conditions with the best of them.

I also wouldn't put down the job of the actual burger flipper...these days with expanded menu choices they're preparing a whole range of products. The fast food industry offers entry level employment in a fast paced environment that should give them a ticket to better opportunities.

[Paul C. Jesup]

Please note 'sarcasm' tag in my last post.

[Mick2000]

No, we can't compete WITH government interference. Tariffs (India has the second highest in the world), currency manipulation (China ties there currency value to ours so no matter the fluctuatioon their products will always be cheaper), and abuse of the L1 visa are a big reason we're losing jobs. And you still think we can compete, on such a tilted playing field? Wake up!!

[Hank Rearden]

I could really use a burger right now. Anybody wanna flip me one?

[dr_who_2]

Duly noted.

[dr_who_2]

Would you settle for a poke in the eye with a sharp stick?

[zip]

Ping

[anniegetyourgun]

ROFL! You wouldn't....would you?!?

[bert]

....alas even the hamburger flippers will be automated.....

The notion that jobs at Mc Donalds invlove flopping butgers is a false myth. Most are employed in sales and public relations rather than production. The smiling young girl at the register has nothing to do with production. Her job is to make a sale and deal one on one with a customer.

Learning to deal with customers is an invaluable skill that can not be taught.

learning tot clean the place is also an important job. Not only just the work, but learning that there are reasons involving compliance with the various reglations is important experience.

Don't dis McDonalds. It is important to the American way.