07-05-2008, 12:33 PM
I don't know where to draw the line between profit/not for profit. All in all it comes down to what you can afford to pay. I don't think it has anything to do with funky accounting. As well, and more importantly in my mind, when hiring, it comes down to what a human being is worth. Again, we could debate that, but I think it's an evasion.
Not to bust anyone, but I guess I'd feel that I had so much work going on, on such a big place that I needed all this help, and I was so broke that I couldn't pay a living wage, well, I guess I'd think I was living beyond my means. I really do think it is that simple. I realize it's unpopular to say such a thing, and many would like me to shut up--but I really don't see any way to wiggle around it. And while it must be nice to exploit people to maintain such a lifestyle, I think it's unethical. Most people do. If you live on some big estate, in a huge house, no amount of gassing about your "service" to the community is going to make up for the fact that people think you're a jerk. They may smile and thank you for the wage you pay, but they hate you. They just can't show it, of course, because they've got to somehow eat that day. And of course, resentment, loss of community, anger becomes more prevalent, and it becomes asserted through crimes of varying sorts.
Again, no one is required to care. Lots of people don't, and figure taking advantage of people who can't improve their lives and are stuck in poverty has been a big part of American way of business for a long time. And of course around the world too. A company that takes advantage of people, as well as people who take advantage of people, OBVIOUSLY gain an edge, as they retain more of their money, and tend to grow more wealthy and powerful as a result. Of course, we all know this. If you want to get rich, I'm not telling you a good way to do it.
The question is really, if you care, for real, what should YOU do. I'm telling you what I think I should do, and do. Others may find different compromises, and most wont give a damn. Still, I think the issue is a powerkeg to some degree, because there is a powerful seething anger and resentment that floats just below the surface here, and it could get out of control fast. As people become more and more squeezed for money, it will only get worse. We should be concerned about that sort of thing, not just because treating people with the humanity they deserve is important, but that it may really be necessary to maintain a sensibly peaceful quality of life.
Not to bust anyone, but I guess I'd feel that I had so much work going on, on such a big place that I needed all this help, and I was so broke that I couldn't pay a living wage, well, I guess I'd think I was living beyond my means. I really do think it is that simple. I realize it's unpopular to say such a thing, and many would like me to shut up--but I really don't see any way to wiggle around it. And while it must be nice to exploit people to maintain such a lifestyle, I think it's unethical. Most people do. If you live on some big estate, in a huge house, no amount of gassing about your "service" to the community is going to make up for the fact that people think you're a jerk. They may smile and thank you for the wage you pay, but they hate you. They just can't show it, of course, because they've got to somehow eat that day. And of course, resentment, loss of community, anger becomes more prevalent, and it becomes asserted through crimes of varying sorts.
Again, no one is required to care. Lots of people don't, and figure taking advantage of people who can't improve their lives and are stuck in poverty has been a big part of American way of business for a long time. And of course around the world too. A company that takes advantage of people, as well as people who take advantage of people, OBVIOUSLY gain an edge, as they retain more of their money, and tend to grow more wealthy and powerful as a result. Of course, we all know this. If you want to get rich, I'm not telling you a good way to do it.
The question is really, if you care, for real, what should YOU do. I'm telling you what I think I should do, and do. Others may find different compromises, and most wont give a damn. Still, I think the issue is a powerkeg to some degree, because there is a powerful seething anger and resentment that floats just below the surface here, and it could get out of control fast. As people become more and more squeezed for money, it will only get worse. We should be concerned about that sort of thing, not just because treating people with the humanity they deserve is important, but that it may really be necessary to maintain a sensibly peaceful quality of life.