You Need Me On That Wall
Colonel Jessup wasn't wrong about everything.
Partial list of nuisances we tolerate as a cost of doing business—specifically ones that are less well understood.
We know (or should know) about, say, pollution. As every good economist will tell you (to the great astonishment of starry-eyed environmentalists), the optimal level of pollution is not zero. Crime is another typical example.
Here are some less obvious ones:
Personal injury lawyers in the style of Better Call Saul and stereotypical litigious excesses. Yes, there are many examples where the shoe fits and we are rightfully outraged at claims made. However, these are not always so certainly undue. The McDonald’s coffee really was crazy hot (also a great example of the market issuing safety regulation), and IRL people like Lucky really do slip on pee pee.
Mega retailers especially in the grocery business. These companies are disdained despite the great work they are doing. Almost all screeds against them are nonsensical gibberish.
People who work 70+ hours per week. People enviously look at their salaries and benefits with contempt. They never fully grasp the tradeoffs they are facing. Nor do they appreciate the sacrifices. Yet we enjoy the fruits of their collective labor over and above the personal gains they may receive. We live in a very rich country where we can afford many luxuries including the ability to cast aspersions at those who choose to work very hard. Notably I am not in the 70+ hour club. I am far too selfish.
People who are very active in their local church’s life and activities specifically including volunteering in community aid led by religious group. Are you surprised this is on the list? You are probably on the inside of this and not the group I’m thinking of who dismisses or derides those engaged in church-led outreach. There is a large collection of people who vary between rolling their eyes and scornfully rejecting those who serve in this fashion.
Major chain brands such as fast-food and casual dining and to a lesser degree hotels/motels. Yes, these are often low brow. Many never rise above premium mediocre. Still, efficiency and reliability are virtues that themselves are often top priority. I don’t need to read any reviews or look at the star rating for the McDonald’s coming up 50 miles just off the right exit. Sure, Holiday Inn Express “is what it is.”1 Many would say that measures its upper limits. Often that is a guarantee of quality—lower than best, but always good enough.
PS: The Code Red was wrong, and he was rightfully prosecuted for it.
I absolutely hate this stupid, meaningless tautology that substitutes for real thought meant to convey . . . something . . . but too often saying nothing. Quit using it, people!