The Heartlessness of Capitalism: A Call for Compassion in Business

The audacity of capitalism never ceases to amaze. Recently, I heard a story that epitomizes the cold, unfeeling nature of many modern businesses, revealing a systemic issue that demands immediate attention and action.

A good friend of mine has a brother who had been diligently working at the same company for nearly forty years. As he approached retirement age, he decided to give his employer ample notice of his plans, informing them in February that he intended to retire the following January. This gesture, intended to provide the company with enough time to plan for his departure, was met with an astonishingly callous response. Less than sixty days after his notification, the company informed him that he would be laid off by the end of June.

This isn't an isolated incident. I myself experienced a similar situation, though in my case, I was fortunate enough to receive a decent severance package and some health insurance assistance. My friend's brother, however, received none of that. This lack of support for a long-term, loyal employee is not just crass but heartless.

Such stories highlight a broader, more disturbing trend within capitalism. Businesses that rake in hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars, often do so at the expense of their workers' well-being. The focus on profit margins and shareholder returns has created a corporate culture that devalues loyalty, experience, and human decency.

It's time for businesses to do better. It's time for businesses to prioritize compassion over capital. This involves recognizing the value of their employees, not just in terms of the labor they provide, but as individuals with lives, families, and futures. When an employee dedicates a significant portion of their life to a company, the least that company can do is ensure that their departure is handled with respect and care.

We need to hold businesses accountable for their treatment of employees. It's not enough to expect less from capitalism; we must demand more. Companies must be pressured to adopt policies that reflect a commitment to their workers' well-being, not just their bottom line.

It's time for a shift in corporate culture, from one that values profit above all else to one that understands the importance of compassion, loyalty, and respect. Businesses that fail to make this shift will continue to lose the trust and loyalty of their employees, leading to a workforce that feels undervalued and dispensable.

As consumers, investors, and workers, we have the power to influence this change. By supporting companies that demonstrate ethical practices and treating their employees with respect, we can help foster a more compassionate form of capitalism—one that recognizes the true value of its people.

A Different Breed of Geek: My Frustration with Facebook

I’ve always been a geek, ever since the summer of 1971 when I was programming Fortran on an IBM 360 using punch cards. But I wasn’t your typical pocket-protector kind of geek. A friend once called me a “different breed of cat,” and I’ve always relished that description.

Over the years, I’ve dabbled in various technologies and projects. From using FidoNet with a 300 bps modem to working with dBase on a Navy work planning app, I’ve seen it all. My first paid programming job involved maintaining a gas station accounting system using compiled BASIC on dual floppy PCs. I’ve rebuilt the engine in my MG B, replaced clutches in a Dodge Colt and a ’65 Corvair, built a coffee table, and even painted farm buildings one summer. My first email address was with ix.netcom.com, which later got absorbed by earthlink.net. I was thrilled to get my Gmail invite, thanks Eric B.

I’ve always considered myself an early adopter, not bleeding edge, but I like playing with the new stuff. I’ve used Twitter, LinkedIn, and soon found myself on Facebook. Over time, I’ve become pickier about what platforms I use. Facebook has been my go-to social media for a while. I understand the algorithms and what they do with my data based on my interactions. I’ve had blogs hosted on various services, and I enjoy writing and sharing my thoughts.

Here’s where my frustration begins. I’ve tried multiple times to post a link to my blog, [Finest Kine Aloha Friday](https://finest-kine-aloha-friday.blogspot.com/), on Facebook (or should I call it Meta now?). Every time I try, my post gets rejected for violating community standards. I don’t get it. There are far more controversial reels out there that don’t get flagged. 

I suspect there’s a Google-Meta issue at play here. I’ve never been keen on sharing personal stuff on Meta anyway; they already know too much. I just want to point my friends to my blog, where I’m working on writing more. 

Is it too much to ask for a little leeway to share harmless blog posts with friends?

Navigating the culinary landscape in the US can often feel like a whimsical adventure through a tapestry of diverse and often amusing restaurant names. Just the other day, I found myself enchanted by a supposedly Italian establishment proudly bearing the name "XYZ Ristorante." The word itself seemed to demand a melodious, exaggerated Italian accent—"Ris-to-ran-te, Ris-to-ran-te, Ris-to-ran-te", echoing in my head like a delightful mantra. This compulsion to mimic the phonetic flair of the name was irresistible, transforming a simple glance at a restaurant sign into an impromptu language lesson and a playful moment of cultural immersion.

This isn't a singular quirk reserved for Italian eateries alone; it extends to a myriad of cuisines. Whether it's a French "Boulangerie," a Japanese "Sushi-ya," or a Mexican "Taquería," each name carries its unique rhythm and charm, begging to be pronounced with as much authenticity as my imagination can muster. It's a fun, albeit mildly obsessive habit that turns every dining decision into a theatrical performance. While this may be a lighthearted way to engage with the cultural diversity of the food scene, I can't help but wonder if there’s a support group for those of us who find ourselves repeatedly chanting restaurant names with exaggerated accents. If there is, I need help...