Ticket 2 Ride

I’m reminded of a line of dialogue from the film Caddyshack.

“You’ll get nothing, and like it!”

We were conditioned to believe in society that the customer is valued. That we get what we pay for. That the free market is fair and self-regulated. People and companies stand behind their goods and services. items sold to us are safe to eat and won’t kill us later. Politicians tell us the truth and don’t bend the truth or renege on promises. That’s expecting a lot.

We put up with products that don’t match the promise, service that feels like an inconvenience, transactions that are tilted to the advantage of the company, and declining belief in a fair shake.

When I shop at the grocery store, I expect to pay more for less. Smaller packages, substituted ingredients, smaller sized items inside, increased prices. Record company profits, but higher prices. That’s what happens with consolidation of good companies and grocery store chains.

We’ve stopped watching the news and the talk programs. Do you feel good after the evening news or those morning shows? No. I don’t know how people listen to talk radio or cable “news” shows all day. “We’ll think for you, form your opinions, tell you who to like and who to always disbelieve.”

We expect so little of ourselves. Thinking is hard work. Group think is so much easier.

The wealth gap in America is widening, and yet we are trusting those who hold most of the marbles to look out for our interests. Really? Not only is that crazy, it’s dangerous.

In 2025, I’m going to think more for myself, and form views from information not skewed by groups or corporate overlords.

I spend my dollars carefully, but I still feel “taken” at times. I resist auto paying, and allowing businesses to treat me as one of the sheep. Thankfully, I ended service with two of the greediest corporations. A trash hauler and a communications company. I won’t name them, but they kill you with fees and insulate themselves when you have an issue. There are services that defy the spirit of competition. The markets are controlled by a few providers who have found ways to unite against customers. That’s how it feels.

I can’t do anything about lobbyists cutting deals with politicians that cost the consumers and constituents. CEO compensation, not within my control. The broken healthcare system? I’m just a careful consumer, yet they have me by the short ones like most everyone else.

In my little corner of the universe, I’ll give you a fair deal and respect. While we might feel like we’re just passengers on this journey, I do have sway over a great many things, at least if I choose to. I’ll start with expecting more from myself. My friends and family will helpfully notice the bump. We can all do better; not to grab more loot or quash a differing opinion, but to live the values we talk about having.

A message from my little corner of the universe.