Disney’s recent attempt to invoke its terms of use to prevent a lawsuit concerning a tragic allergy-related death is a blatant display of corporate greed and insensitivity. The fact that they would try to shield themselves from accountability in such a heart-wrenching situation is despicable. The argument that by merely signing up for Disney+ or purchasing theme park tickets, individuals waive their right to a jury trial is preposterous. It is a clear abuse of power and an attempt to evade responsibility.
The case of Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan’s death due to severe allergies at a restaurant in Disney Springs, a third-party operated venue, is indeed tragic, but it is Disney’s response that is truly appalling.… Continue reading
I can’t believe the ordeal that Carleen Acevedo, a 72-year-old Home Depot employee in San Ramon, California, had to go through. That fact that she was fired for failing to stop $5,000 in fraudulent transactions is truly disheartening. I can’t help but feel immense sympathy for her situation. The stress and financial strain she must have endured after losing her job at that age is unimaginable.
What strikes me the most about this situation is the disparity in treatment between Acevedo and the teenage new hire who was earning more than her. It’s appalling that after seven years of dedicated service, she was earning less than a new employee.… Continue reading
When I first read about the Forest Service ordering the Arrowhead bottled water company to shut down their California pipeline, I was shocked to learn about the blatant misuse of such a precious resource. The reports revealing that 94% to 98% of the water diverted monthly was being delivered to an old hotel property for “undisclosed purposes” while the company claimed to be bottling none of it truly left me perplexed. All this time, Californians have been facing droughts, and here we have a corporation extracting millions of gallons of water per month for mysterious reasons.
What struck me the most about this situation was the fact that the hotel and conference facility on the property were not even operational, yet the volumes of water being extracted had significantly increased.… Continue reading
Customers who save on electric bills could be forced to pay the utility company for lost profits. Sounds outrageous, right? Well, it seems like a dystopian nightmare where basic human needs are turned into profit-churning machines. The idea that just because people are using less electricity, they should be punished financially is absurd. Yet, here we are, facing the reality of being charged for not consuming goods or services at a rate deemed profitable by the corporation.
In Louisiana, customers who participate in energy efficiency programs could potentially face fees for the electricity they would have used if it weren’t for their efforts to save energy.… Continue reading
When I think about the fact that corporations spent their Trump tax windfall on buybacks, it’s truly infuriating. The economic policy expert who addressed the Senate Budget Committee hit the nail on the head when they highlighted how these actions further enrich executives and wealthy shareholders while neglecting worker pay. It’s a stark reminder that corporations’ primary motivation is profit above all else.
The 2017 Trump-GOP tax law was passed with promises of bolstering the economy, creating jobs, and raising wages. Yet, as predicted by many, these windfalls were instead funneled into stock buybacks. This not only artificially inflates stock prices but also feeds into the pockets of executives and shareholders, leaving workers behind.… Continue reading
As the news of the FBI raid on a corporate landlord for 18 Arizona properties continues to make headlines, I am left with mixed feelings of relief and skepticism. It’s a step in the right direction, a crack in the system of rent monopolies that have plagued the housing market for far too long. The fact that the Biden administration is taking a stand against anti-competitive business practices that drive up the cost of living for middle-class families is commendable. But the question remains, what happens next?
The term “rent monopoly” is not to be taken lightly. It creates artificial scarcity, manipulating the demand for housing, and inflating prices beyond reasonable levels.… Continue reading
The news that a high number of US weapons components have landed in Russian hands is not only concerning but also alarming. As a citizen, it raises questions about the integrity of US companies and their commitment to upholding sanctions against Russia. These components, such as microchips, should not be ending up in the hands of a country that is under sanctions, yet here we are facing the reality that they are.
The misleading title of the article may have caused some confusion, but the fact remains that US-made components are finding their way into Russian weapons. This highlights a clear failure on the part of these companies to prevent such occurrences and raises red flags about the effectiveness of current export controls and monitoring mechanisms in place.… Continue reading
The current economic landscape in the United States is tumultuous, to say the least. While the technical definitions may indicate that we are not in a recession, the reality for the majority of Americans paints a very different picture. Prices are on the rise, wages are stagnant, and basic necessities like housing and groceries are becoming increasingly unaffordable. The disconnect between official economic indicators and the lived experiences of ordinary citizens is stark and concerning.
Corporate greed is at the heart of this issue. While the stock market may be thriving, it is evident that the benefits of this prosperity are not trickling down to the average person.… Continue reading
As a veterinarian, I have witnessed firsthand the alarming trend of corporations buying up local vet clinics, which raises significant concerns about the price, choice, and quality of care for our beloved pets. The impact of corporate ownership on the veterinary profession cannot be understated. The corporate model often prioritizes profits over the well-being of animals, leading to a decline in the standard of care provided.
One of the most glaring issues with corporate-owned practices is the sharp increase in prices for pet owners. Overnight, prices can skyrocket, making necessary treatments and procedures unaffordable for many. It is disheartening to see pet owners forced to make difficult decisions about their furry companions’ health due to financial constraints imposed by corporate entities seeking to maximize profits.… Continue reading
As someone who has felt the pinch of rising prices, the recent news of Target lowering prices on about 5,000 basic goods due to inflation cutting into budgets comes as a relief. It’s both frustrating and eye-opening to see how many retailers have been overinflating their prices out of pure greed, only to backtrack when consumers start looking elsewhere. The fact that Aldi has already taken the initiative to lower prices on items like tuna and chocolate bars demonstrates that it is possible for companies to make these adjustments.
It’s interesting to note that many of these retailers, including Target, are now switching to lower-cost discount brands to cater to customers who are struggling with higher prices for groceries.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker