Which would be more depressing: eating at McDonald’s on Christmas Day, or working at McDonald’s on Christmas Day?
If I were a Marxist, I’d say the latter. If I were a libertarian defender of the Lochner decision, such as the author of this pretty-good and definitely interesting book , I’d say the former.
But you know, I think the former is the more depressing and degrading option no matter what. Even if I knew that every worker was exploited to the max, or even if I knew that every worker was one of those eager-to-work-more-than-the-average-Joe ones that Lochner-defenders want us to respect, I still think eating at McDonald’s on Christmas is lower than low. (And, it would come with that iffy after-taste and sluggish feeling.)
Or how about being the McDonald’s executive who felt the numbers made him duty-bound to push the franchises to remain open this Christmas Day? Let’s assume the story about an internal McDonald’s memo is accurate(I am a wee bit suspicious about it). I could tell you the guy’s name, the name that, if the story catches on, might get tagged as that of the modern-day Scrooge, but essentially he and his action are nameless ones.
Whether he gets publicly vilified or not, being that guy might be the most depressing option of all.
While I have you, can I ask you something? I’ll be quick.
Twenty-five thousand people subscribe to First Things. Why can’t that be fifty thousand? Three million people read First Things online like you are right now. Why can’t that be four million?
Let’s stop saying “can’t.” Because it can. And your year-end gift of just $50, $100, or even $250 or more will make it possible.
How much would you give to introduce just one new person to First Things? What about ten people, or even a hundred? That’s the power of your charitable support.
Make your year-end gift now using this secure link or the button below.
