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People are full of unaffordable vices. They want to eat, and no less than 3 times a day! Then they want to drink water, and they even dare to ask for electricity in their houses!
And what about the audacity of willing to wear clothes and shoes?
This is the real cause for inflation. People have this awful vice of living and this is the result.
Can you believe there are people who want universal healthcare? I mean, imagine getting cancer and expecting the state to pay for your treatment! Ugh!
/s in case it wasn't obvious
I legit have seen an American here on Lemmy argue, "Why do you think you should get health care for free?" Like it's some absurd request to support the literal health of your nation.
The selfish mentality has poisoned so many of my neighbors, and we're all the worse off for it.
I think you could convince some people that there should be a breathing tax.
Seems like the only ones who have not had a good year, with record earnings are us poor plebes who keep the gears turning.
keep the gears turning
I'm sure some billionaires would like to think of themselves in this way.
I just saw a Peter Thiel documentary; that person is monster. As if I hadn't known that already, but his tentacles seem to extend everywhere.
But ultimately I agree with you:
I think that what you're frightened of more than anything
Is knowing you need workers more than they need you
And many people belief this! They think increasing wages drives up prices!
Well yes, that's the point of the tweet. That, and politicians paid by corporations actively promoting this narrative.
I've come to the conclusion that an absolute cornerstone of Republican economics is that all supply and demand are perfectly elastic. So any increase in costs goes 100% to the consumer's prices. Any increase in property taxes (or UBI) go 100% to rent increases.
They're super confident about economics despite very obviously never having passed an econ class.
It does a bit, but the buying power gained far outpaces the price increase.
So how do we start rallying against this? Any ideas? I am trying to spend less and also choose less convenience products. Additionally I choose bargain shops, B&M even Aldi etc where I can. It’s not a big step but it’s a message.
What other options or actions can we undertake to start tackling this greedy behaviour?
Step one is making sure your union has the collective bargaining power it needs to get a good wage and benefits for everyone. Some striking may be involved, so the strike coffers should be robust as well.
Beyond that, wealth taxes and exit taxes on those who want to flee to tax havens with no wealth taxes. Public ownership of some stuff like utilities.
So more or less joining a union if you're not already a member and voting no further right than social democrat.
Mitigations like spending less might also be a good idea or even required, like wearing dust masks in polluted areas, but just like how the dust mask doesn't make the pollution go away, spending less individually doesn't really tackle the fundamental problem of distribution and wealth extraction.
We need actual politics for that.
Politicians: "We hear you, and will tax the wealth in strike coffers."
Not buying. Companies will stop raising prices when people stop buying stuff. You can't stop buying essentials of course, but companies selling nonessentials like food delivery apps are also posting their most profitable years ever. There's absolutely no reason for that.
Even if it doesn't cause a macroeconomic change, your own wallet will thank you. I have more money than I've ever had in my life thanks to cutting back on most nonessentials. My life is a little boring, but I also have a lot in savings!
I am pretty decent at the no spending. Have been for a few years. I hate waste and consuming crap for the sake of it.
I do need to go back to basics. I still need to purchase and live somewhat conveniently, as I have a family. Some stuff that’s worked for me. Bulk buying once a year. Anything non perishable toilet roll, soap powder etc. I buy a years work and shove it in the garage. Agin bulk with items like salt, vinegar, oil. I then decant to smaller bottles. There are lots of sauces I can make myself. I am good at using what’s about for salad dressings. Use leftovers. I really enjoy them anyway.
There are more, I just can’t think. It’s still buying but buying less and smarter is my start.
Any other ideas that anyone can think of?
Shop for groceries at private companies instead of public companies, such as your local grocer
Not just groceries. I've been trying to move as much of my business as possible to private/local options.
Making these changes is not only my own small expression of disapproval against the behavior of corporate America, but it also keeps more of my money circulating within the local economy where it helps to strengthen the community instead of being shipped off to Wallstreet.
Anyone know of any dedicated communities on here or good resources (uk) for day to day frugality or at least less giving money to millionaires?
I used to use the likes of hot deals etc but it’s now just a glorified sales platform. I am talking actual communities that share suggestions and support.
Martin Lewis is still probably the best resource for finding ways to spend less money.