$15 minimum wage

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Comments

  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739

    Biking where I live ... you are risking your life.

    I probably hear some version of this statement from at least 75% of people when they find out I am a cycle commuter. I'm going to respond generally, because I have no idea where you live and don't need to know (also cautiously, lest someone think I'm taking a shot at them).

    In my experience, most people overestimate the risks with cycling and underestimate the risks with driving. Sure, you have to be alert and expect that there are asshole and/or inattentive drivers out there, but those affect you when you're driving a car, too. It's generally possible to find a reasonable cycle route to most places. Google Maps has a cycle mapping option which prioritizes quiet streets, bike lanes, etc, and there are lots of apps out there that help with route-finding, where you can get a route that is as flat as possible, or scenic, or whatever you want. I have near-misses with vehicles not infrequently, but I haven't actually been hit in over 25 years. I'm alert to what's going on around me, I never have earbuds in, I make myself very visible, have front and rear lights unless it's broad daylight, and I obey the rules of the road. Driving in a car is a risky behaviour, too. There are far fewer cycling fatalities than automobile driver or passenger fatalities per year. Yes, there are more people driving, but if you're driving then you're right out there with them.
    Anytime, I welcome you come to Windsor and ride the streets.  You will have to take my word for it.  The people drive like maniacs around here.  Personally, I think the root cause of the problem is urban sprawl ... every one now a days seems to work in a different city than where they live ... so at the end of their shift, they race around getting there errands done so can get home and relax...
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • oftenreading
    oftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,856
    Nothing comes without risk, we just choose the risks we want to take (if we’re lucky enough to get a choice). Driving has risks, cycling has risks. The majority of people don’t get nearly enough exercise and this increase their risk of lots of bad outcomes. There are fewer than 100 cycling fatalities a year in Canada related to road accidents/MVAs. That’s many times lower than the rate of deaths due to cardiac issues, diabetes, stroke, and the like. I choose to take the small risk of a road accident, because I get so many benefits. If a lot more people did the same, the roads would be safer. 

    I’m including a link to Map My Ride for Windsor. This app helps you find good cycle routes pretty much anywhere. 
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • HesCalledDyer
    HesCalledDyer Maryland Posts: 16,491
    As a cyclist myself, I've talked to many a person around here with the opinion that we belong on the sidewalk and if they every catch a cyclist on the road, they make it a point to barely miss hitting us or not miss at all.  I really don't understand it.  You don't go derbying other cars on the road, or motorcyclists. What is the beef with pedal cycling that you feel the need & desire to run us off the road, hit & injure, or worse kill us?

    Anyway, not sure how minimum wage evolved into this, but there's my input on one of the reasons why cyclists don't cycle to work.
  • oftenreading
    oftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,856
    As a cyclist myself, I've talked to many a person around here with the opinion that we belong on the sidewalk and if they every catch a cyclist on the road, they make it a point to barely miss hitting us or not miss at all.  I really don't understand it.  You don't go derbying other cars on the road, or motorcyclists. What is the beef with pedal cycling that you feel the need & desire to run us off the road, hit & injure, or worse kill us?

    Anyway, not sure how minimum wage evolved into this, but there's my input on one of the reasons why cyclists don't cycle to work.
    That completely sucks. I’ve never had anyone tell me that. I’m sure they all consider themselves good drivers, too. 

    The discussion got here via automation replacing jobs to driverless cars to driving to ..... Thread integrity - cycling is much cheaper than driving!
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • oftenreading
    oftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,856
    I’m sure it’s a clause in 2-A; the right to own the road in your monster truck. 
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,674
    As a cyclist myself, I've talked to many a person around here with the opinion that we belong on the sidewalk and if they every catch a cyclist on the road, they make it a point to barely miss hitting us or not miss at all.  I really don't understand it.  You don't go derbying other cars on the road, or motorcyclists. What is the beef with pedal cycling that you feel the need & desire to run us off the road, hit & injure, or worse kill us?

    Anyway, not sure how minimum wage evolved into this, but there's my input on one of the reasons why cyclists don't cycle to work.
    That's terrible... it kind of proves that cars and bicycles don't mix very well, which means all cities need to really make an effort to develop dedicated bike lane infrastructure.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,663
    Regarding some of the above comments about the Amish:

    I think they are an excellent example of why technology isn't always necessary.  I'm not anti-technology, but I think we rely on it more than is good for our health.  Technology for communications, medical needs, etc are very helpful.  But who is more physically and mentally healthy overall- people who drive or ride in motorized vehicles everywhere, who sit at a desk behind a computer to work, who have few skills requiring physical labor, who eat mass produced food from packages, cans or restaurants, or the Amish who do the opposite of all that? 

    They don't need a minimum wage.  They cooperate.  If someone looses a barn, the whole community comes together to build a new barn.  They are interdependent.  Most of society is not.  Most of us are relatively selfish and look out mostly for our own needs.  We mostly only working together for "our team", but those allegiances are weak and ever changing.

    Amish women do play a different role in their societies than ours.  It's not one I would subscribe to because I grew up in a more modern, equal rights society.  But I would not so quickly dismiss how theirs works.  Women are highly esteemed in their society and have specific, strong rolls.   Maybe at least skim this article before passing judgement:

    I'm half-Amish so, yes, I do get rather defensive of my heritage.  But I also believe that we should not criticize other cultures without a good understanding of how they work.  People like to poke fun at the Amish and many times, those jokes are blatantly racist and based on hearsay or preconceived notions.  So yes, I am defensive on the subject even though I live a thoroughly modern life myself.  My father who was born 100% Amish became Aviation Machinists Mate in  WWII and later became an aeronautical engineer for United Air Lines.  But he still honored his heritage.

    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • PJ_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,674
    edited July 2018
    I have almost nothing against the Amish whatsoever, just that thing about basing gender roles on what the Bible says. I COMPLETELY disagree with your watering down of the inequality women live under in the Amish world Brian. I'm not arguing that they aren't esteemed in a way - I am already well aware of the gender roles in Amish society - but at the end of the day that is the go-to excuse used to defend female inequality in religious cultures that are ruled by men.
    But many things about Amish culture are quite nice and I respect their choice to live separate from modern society - I understand the appeal. My only point was that using the Amish as an example for the rest of society to follow in terms of farming practices with the lack of advanced technology is pretty much pointless, all things considered.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    brianlux said:
    Regarding some of the above comments about the Amish:

    I think they are an excellent example of why technology isn't always necessary.  I'm not anti-technology, but I think we rely on it more than is good for our health.  Technology for communications, medical needs, etc are very helpful.  But who is more physically and mentally healthy overall- people who drive or ride in motorized vehicles everywhere, who sit at a desk behind a computer to work, who have few skills requiring physical labor, who eat mass produced food from packages, cans or restaurants, or the Amish who do the opposite of all that? 

    They don't need a minimum wage.  They cooperate.  If someone looses a barn, the whole community comes together to build a new barn.  They are interdependent.  Most of society is not.  Most of us are relatively selfish and look out mostly for our own needs.  We mostly only working together for "our team", but those allegiances are weak and ever changing.

    Amish women do play a different role in their societies than ours.  It's not one I would subscribe to because I grew up in a more modern, equal rights society.  But I would not so quickly dismiss how theirs works.  Women are highly esteemed in their society and have specific, strong rolls.   Maybe at least skim this article before passing judgement:

    I'm half-Amish so, yes, I do get rather defensive of my heritage.  But I also believe that we should not criticize other cultures without a good understanding of how they work.  People like to poke fun at the Amish and many times, those jokes are blatantly racist and based on hearsay or preconceived notions.  So yes, I am defensive on the subject even though I live a thoroughly modern life myself.  My father who was born 100% Amish became Aviation Machinists Mate in  WWII and later became an aeronautical engineer for United Air Lines.  But he still honored his heritage.

    If you are finding fault with the Amish way of life ... then people just might nit picking.  I admire their independence upon themselves and each other.   They are a strong community...
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • oftenreading
    oftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,856
    Being concerned about gender inequality isn’t nitpicking. 
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf
  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    If the Amish are happy with their roles in society, then this is their choice ... personally I accept Brians explanation ... 
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • cincybearcat
    cincybearcat Posts: 16,836
    brianlux said:
    Regarding some of the above comments about the Amish:

    I think they are an excellent example of why technology isn't always necessary.  I'm not anti-technology, but I think we rely on it more than is good for our health.  Technology for communications, medical needs, etc are very helpful.  But who is more physically and mentally healthy overall- people who drive or ride in motorized vehicles everywhere, who sit at a desk behind a computer to work, who have few skills requiring physical labor, who eat mass produced food from packages, cans or restaurants, or the Amish who do the opposite of all that? 

    They don't need a minimum wage.  They cooperate.  If someone looses a barn, the whole community comes together to build a new barn.  They are interdependent.  Most of society is not.  Most of us are relatively selfish and look out mostly for our own needs.  We mostly only working together for "our team", but those allegiances are weak and ever changing.

    Amish women do play a different role in their societies than ours.  It's not one I would subscribe to because I grew up in a more modern, equal rights society.  But I would not so quickly dismiss how theirs works.  Women are highly esteemed in their society and have specific, strong rolls.   Maybe at least skim this article before passing judgement:

    I'm half-Amish so, yes, I do get rather defensive of my heritage.  But I also believe that we should not criticize other cultures without a good understanding of how they work.  People like to poke fun at the Amish and many times, those jokes are blatantly racist and based on hearsay or preconceived notions.  So yes, I am defensive on the subject even though I live a thoroughly modern life myself.  My father who was born 100% Amish became Aviation Machinists Mate in  WWII and later became an aeronautical engineer for United Air Lines.  But he still honored his heritage.

    What's up with zippers?
    hippiemom = goodness
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,663
    PJ_Soul said:
    I have almost nothing against the Amish whatsoever, just that thing about basing gender roles on what the Bible says. I COMPLETELY disagree with your watering down of the inequality women live under in the Amish world Brian. I'm not arguing that they aren't esteemed in a way - I am already well aware of the gender roles in Amish society - but at the end of the day that is the go-to excuse used to defend female inequality in religious cultures that are ruled by men.
    But many things about Amish culture are quite nice and I respect their choice to live separate from modern society - I understand the appeal. My only point was that using the Amish as an example for the rest of society to follow in terms of farming practices with the lack of advanced technology is pretty much pointless, all things considered.
    I agree with you about basing female roles etc. on the Bible.  Not my thing, that's for sure.

    But as far as Amish farming practices go, I'm totally for it. Writer and farmer Wendell Berry (the greatest living writer in America) talks a lot about the practical and wise farming practices of the Amish.  Makes total sense to me.  I think when the age of oil is done and over, Berry will be proven correct. 
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • HesCalledDyer
    HesCalledDyer Maryland Posts: 16,491
    I’m sure it’s a clause in 2-A; the right to own the road in your monster truck. 
    Definitely ties into 2A.  I'm pretty sure it's a requirement around here that every pickup truck MUST have at least one Browning sticker in the back window.
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,663
    Being concerned about gender inequality isn’t nitpicking. 
    Gender inequality is an important concern, I totally agree.  But to assume that women have no rights in Amish society is oversimplification and knee jerk.  I would suggest to anyone making a quick criticism maybe study their culture first.  And talk to some Amish women.  My grandmother (my father's mother) who was Amish was one one the strongest women I've ever known.  To know my grandmother was to know a totally independent and strong woman.  She lived to be 90 and lived on her own the last 65 years of her life and was no push over.  I've never known a stronger woman.
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Spiritual_Chaos
    Spiritual_Chaos Posts: 31,472
    brianlux said:
    Regarding some of the above comments about the Amish:

    I think they are an excellent example of why technology isn't always necessary.  I'm not anti-technology, but I think we rely on it more than is good for our health.  Technology for communications, medical needs, etc are very helpful.  But who is more physically and mentally healthy overall- people who drive or ride in motorized vehicles everywhere, who sit at a desk behind a computer to work, who have few skills requiring physical labor, who eat mass produced food from packages, cans or restaurants, or the Amish who do the opposite of all that? 

    They don't need a minimum wage.  They cooperate.  If someone looses a barn, the whole community comes together to build a new barn.  They are interdependent.  Most of society is not.  Most of us are relatively selfish and look out mostly for our own needs.  We mostly only working together for "our team", but those allegiances are weak and ever changing.

    Amish women do play a different role in their societies than ours.  It's not one I would subscribe to because I grew up in a more modern, equal rights society.  But I would not so quickly dismiss how theirs works.  Women are highly esteemed in their society and have specific, strong rolls.   Maybe at least skim this article before passing judgement:

    I'm half-Amish so, yes, I do get rather defensive of my heritage.  But I also believe that we should not criticize other cultures without a good understanding of how they work.  People like to poke fun at the Amish and many times, those jokes are blatantly racist and based on hearsay or preconceived notions.  So yes, I am defensive on the subject even though I live a thoroughly modern life myself.  My father who was born 100% Amish became Aviation Machinists Mate in  WWII and later became an aeronautical engineer for United Air Lines.  But he still honored his heritage.

    Sounds like...

    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,663
    brianlux said:
    Regarding some of the above comments about the Amish:

    I think they are an excellent example of why technology isn't always necessary.  I'm not anti-technology, but I think we rely on it more than is good for our health.  Technology for communications, medical needs, etc are very helpful.  But who is more physically and mentally healthy overall- people who drive or ride in motorized vehicles everywhere, who sit at a desk behind a computer to work, who have few skills requiring physical labor, who eat mass produced food from packages, cans or restaurants, or the Amish who do the opposite of all that? 

    They don't need a minimum wage.  They cooperate.  If someone looses a barn, the whole community comes together to build a new barn.  They are interdependent.  Most of society is not.  Most of us are relatively selfish and look out mostly for our own needs.  We mostly only working together for "our team", but those allegiances are weak and ever changing.

    Amish women do play a different role in their societies than ours.  It's not one I would subscribe to because I grew up in a more modern, equal rights society.  But I would not so quickly dismiss how theirs works.  Women are highly esteemed in their society and have specific, strong rolls.   Maybe at least skim this article before passing judgement:

    I'm half-Amish so, yes, I do get rather defensive of my heritage.  But I also believe that we should not criticize other cultures without a good understanding of how they work.  People like to poke fun at the Amish and many times, those jokes are blatantly racist and based on hearsay or preconceived notions.  So yes, I am defensive on the subject even though I live a thoroughly modern life myself.  My father who was born 100% Amish became Aviation Machinists Mate in  WWII and later became an aeronautical engineer for United Air Lines.  But he still honored his heritage.

    Sounds like...

    :lol:
    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • Meltdown99
    Meltdown99 None Of Your Business... Posts: 10,739
    Who determined $15 was a living wage anyways.  How come no one expects the government to tax us less leaving us more disposable income.
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • brianlux
    brianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 43,663
    Another thing to keep in mind regarding the Amish (and then I will let this go) is that the Amish are not enslaved.  I still think the kids who decide to stay in their culture are the smart ones, but they do get to choose, they are allowed to make the choice to stay or go.  Maybe check out this trailer.  The documentary itself was quite good.


    "It's a sad and beautiful world"
    -Roberto Benigni

  • oftenreading
    oftenreading Victoria, BC Posts: 12,856
    brianlux said:
    Being concerned about gender inequality isn’t nitpicking. 
    Gender inequality is an important concern, I totally agree.  But to assume that women have no rights in Amish society is oversimplification and knee jerk.  I would suggest to anyone making a quick criticism maybe study their culture first.  And talk to some Amish women.  My grandmother (my father's mother) who was Amish was one one the strongest women I've ever known.  To know my grandmother was to know a totally independent and strong woman.  She lived to be 90 and lived on her own the last 65 years of her life and was no push over.  I've never known a stronger woman.
    I didn’t mean to imply “no rights”, Brian, and in fact I didn’t say that, but when a persons’ choices and behaviours are significantly restricted by their society’s expectations about gender then that’s a reason for concern. It also doesn’t mean that strong women don’t exist in that culture - of course they do. Strong women exist in all cultures. 
    my small self... like a book amongst the many on a shelf