Lazy Thinkers: People in Bubbles

Lazy Thinkers: People in Bubbles
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Many of those who comprise the top portion of the nation's wealth live in their own climate of power, privilege, comfort, and excess. Their climate is portable, so no matter where they go, its sunny. And if by chance its raining, odds are their next day will be mostly sunny and thereafter sunny again.

It doesn't have to be that way for them though. They could extend themselves beyond their bubbles to understand how others live. They may think they're of a superior breed, but in reality they are afraid to leave their comfort zones. In fact, they're lazy thinkers who believe they know better than others. They use their money to justify their myopia, arrogance, greed, and sense of entitlement.

The problem is not that there are wealthy people, the problem is many of them do not know how to handle their wealth. Amassing greater personal fortune at the expense of others is just one of their shortcomings.

For example, do you have a locally owned independent coffee shop in your neighborhood? Odds are you don't. Around 20 years ago you likely did until a national coffee shop chain strategized placing multiple locations within walking distance of those independent local coffee shops to drive them out of business. Apparently marketing the chain as having a conscience and it actually practicing being conscientious are two different things.

I know of a well capitalized health food store chain that opened a new location literally doors away from a mom and pop health food store that had been in business for decades, and literally around the corner from another mom and pop health food store that had also been in business for decades. As you might guess, the chain forced both independents out of business. The neighborhood had other locations that the chain could have chosen. But instead, what can only be interpreted as predatory, they drove out the competition without regard for anyone but themselves. Yet this chain also advertises itself as a community supporter. Apparently the goodwill applies when they control some domination in the community.

These are only a few examples that also include marketing portrayals of conscientiousness. I imagine you have your own examples where you live. I try to boycott those businesses that I believe are predatory. We can't trust those people to treat us fairly. We must stand up for ourselves. They've amassed our money, yours' and my hard earned money. We can help redistribute it by where we choose to spend our dollars.

In international affairs, this nation uses economic sanctions against hostile forces as leverage to get them to change their ways. I suggest we have consumer driven economic sanctions against predatory businesses to help us tilt toward a more level playing field. Think about who deserves to be boycotted and do it on your own. We don't need Congress, a presidential order, or a presidential election. We are the people. We have the money. They want our money. Who we give it to will by itself help take care of spreading the wealth more equitably.

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