American businesses sure have changed

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Businesses in America sure have changed. I remember the days when “the customer was always right,” service was the primary way people chose where to shop and do business, the shelves were well stocked, and the employees were friendly and smiling. What has happened?

Several factors play into this. Most recently the COVID-19 nightmare shut down businesses, and some were not able to reopen – so the choices we have are fewer. The government pays people to stay home so the number of people willing to work is reduced – so companies must hire from a much smaller labor pool.

Many of our young people coming in to the job market have grown up in the “ME” generation and have little to no work ethic, are not able to read proficiently, are not able to do basic math, and are not able to communicate verbally with people. These are only a few of the issues.

My shopping habits are based not only on the products that I like, but also on the country of origin, the manufacturer, or provider. And I am including movies, television shows, books, and news outlets in my shopping habits. I have a wide range of interests and hobbies that guide my purchases and patronage.

Unfortunately, some of the providers of the products and services that I’ve used in the past have decided to advertise based on moral ideologies. And some of them are paying a heavy price for it, Disney, Target, Anheuser Busch, the L.A. Dodgers, and Fox News to name a few. I haven’t been to a Target since they went to gender neutral bathrooms, and I haven’t watched a Disney product since they started remaking all the original movies to promote different lifestyles.

Don’t get me wrong – I have family and friends who are Black, white, Hispanic, gay, straight, and I love each and every one of them. I judge people on their character, not on their gender, race, or sexual orientation. I could not care less what anyone does in the privacy of their own home – that is their right.

People are now so “offended” by everything, and they expect to be catered to, but those of us with Christian values are expected to accept anything and everything without complaint. All people deserve respect and dignity – not just those who think they are different from the rest of us. Most of us would be much more accepting if we didn’t feel like things were being shoved down our throats at every turn.

And, while I’m at it, I also don’t like to go to stores or restaurants where the employees are constantly bickering, complaining, or gossiping. I don’t care if they have the best products or food in the area – I’ll drive 30 miles to find another establishment. Businesses should be operated so people can come in and have a pleasant experience while buying what they are selling. Drama should only be on television or the movies. I make my choices known with my wallet.

I certainly prefer American-made products, but that’s hard to find since our trade deficit has doubled since 1990. In 2021, our deficit was almost $19 TRILLION. We import more goods from foreign countries than we produce here in America.

If you take a few minutes and look through your house you will find almost everything from food to electronics to clothes come from other countries. Yes, they may cost less depending on the price, but there is a huge cost to us as a nation that we end up paying in the end. There are groups on Facebook and the internet that you can join to find American-made goods and to research the specific goods you currently buy. Just Google “Made in America.”

I would like to think I am in the majority about how I feel, but maybe I’m not. Maybe I’m in the minority, but I really don’t care. And the older I get, the more opinionated I get and the more vocal I become. Just so you know, I am part of the fastest growing segment of our population – the 65-plus group – and we might be old, but we were taught manners and respect.

This column has really taken a turn I did not expect, but I sit down and write what is on my mind. Since I have stopped watching most news programs I’m not as up to date on the state of affairs in Washington or Montgomery at this moment.

I had to take a break to regain some type of calmness in my life. I’ve been concentrating on future travels, genealogy and work around my house. I’m accepting that I probably will never be organized or get things done in a timely manner. But I’ve never had those talents so why should I think they would develop at this stage of the game!

Take me as I am, and I’ll take you as you are. I hope we can meet in the middle of any situation and develop that respect and consideration that are due to all of us.

If I’ve stepped on some toes, I’m sorry. Maybe they needed stepping on so some self-reflection could make some changes. I’ve also tried to look in the mirror myself.