I want to talk about Amazon and what it is doing to America

[–] AlkaiserSoze 1 points (+1|-0)

I have always done my utmost to avoid purchasing physical items off the internet. I see very little point to it as most items that a person needs in their day to day life can be found locally. Some specialty items are difficult to locate but not impossible. I may only be one man but I will be one man who supports local businesses and avoids contributing to the growing giants of commerce. While I am not against capitalism, I feel that when businesses grow large enough to dictate the terms of our country, there may be an issue at hand.

On the issue of shipping, I feel as though the US should renegotiate the terms that Amazon enjoys with the USPS. It seems as though it is a luxury of abuse that happens on a a gigantic scale, especially now that the USPS is forcing employees to work on Sunday. Public funds should not be wasted just so that Amazon gets a good deal on shipping and everyone can continue to screw local businesses.

In all honesty, I feel the lack of awareness that people demonstrate when they support businesses like Amazon is alarming. These same people support globalism because that concept equals cheap goods and services for them. The reality of this is that those who support Amazon support a selfish style of living in which they receive the best price no matter the cost to others. They do not care where the item was manufactured, nor how it arrives. They only wish to receive their Nintendo Switch as fast as possible for as cheap as possible, regardless of whether or not anyone benefits from their purchase besides themselves.

But, that's just my two cents on the matter.

[–] Adhdferret [OP] 1 points (+1|-0)

It is a very good point you made. Thing is that with my gun products I have been getting I have been trying to stay within the USA and buy only products made in USA as well.

Gun stores here are outrageous for one, for another this is done on anonymous as well. Sounds weird I know, but there is a reason I am going to such lengths.

I was unable to find a deal even remotely close to those I found online and made damn sure it wasn't a big cooperation that I got from save the tools. Really wanted the best for my dollar and nothing more, but it was that or big box retail.

Choose what is best for me is all I did.

[–] AlkaiserSoze 3 points (+3|-0)

I have lived in a major city and I have lived in a rural area. By far, it was must easier and cheaper to live in a rural area. Everything cost less but many things were not as easily accessible. In this age of information, accessibility and ease are the key concepts which govern peoples lives. Forced economic conditions give rise to uncomfortable scenarios, such as the death of local businesses at the hands of industry giants. Those economic giants are more adept at handling the needs of the many than local businesses, unfortunately.

The biggest downside to all of this is that I worry we will end up living in a dystopian future in which companies dictate every aspect of our lives, from goods to laws. I fail to see a positive aspect to this continuing trend and try as we might, even the best of us are prone to seeking the best deals from unscrupulous vendors from time to time. Are we really reversing this trend or merely mitigating it? Is there even a way to pull back to local suppliers and shun the global consumer market? I am unsure and nervous at the prospect. Would the cure be worse than the disease at this point in history? There are far too many uncomfortable questions which lie down this road of conceptual thought.

To play Devil's Advocate against my own point, it could be seen as a reaction of income discrepancy in modern times. Average earned income has not kept pace with inflation of the dollar and inflation of cost of living. Consider the average city-dwelling American. They work a 40 hour week for less than 100k (if they are lucky enough for that). Chances are, to avoid an unreasonable commute, they live within 60-30 minutes of their job. This will translate to a higher rent unless they choose to live somewhere further away or in an area which does not fully meet their standards for a reasonable dwelling (read: slums/shitty apartment). Likely, the rent will be high. If they are lucky enough to possess a vehicle then chances are that they are leasing it, which is another monthly payment. Add in student loans, basic necessities, eating out on occasion, and suddenly you must watch your funds. Since it is not reasonable for these people to not pay their loans, debts, etc, they save where they can. This means Amazon fills a need in their lives, albeit at the cost of the local community which must in turn raise prices to compensate for lost business. This produces a cycle of economic failure for smaller businesses who are consumer facing. I have lived in a major city and I have lived in a rural area. By far, it was must easier and cheaper to live in a rural area. Everything cost less but many things were not as easily accessible. In this age of information, accessibility and ease are the key concepts which govern peoples lives. Forced economic conditions give rise to uncomfortable scenarios, such as the death of local businesses at the hands of industry giants. Those economic giants are more adept at handling the needs of the many than local businesses, unfortunately. The biggest downside to all of this is that I worry we will end up living in a dystopian future in which companies dictate every aspect of our lives, from goods to laws. I fail to see a positive aspect to this continuing trend and try as we might, even the best of us are prone to seeking the best deals from unscrupulous vendors from time to time. Are we really reversing this trend or merely mitigating it? Is there even a way to pull back to local suppliers and shun the global consumer market? I am unsure and nervous at the prospect. Would the cure be worse than the disease at this point in history? There are far too many uncomfortable questions which lie down this road of conceptual thought.

[–] Adhdferret [OP] 1 points (+1|-0)

I get what you are saying and it is why I won't hate those that still support places like Amazon. They are just ignorant. In that they don't realize the impact because like you gave the example of a student.

They were raised in an age where everything was right there and instant gratification is a real thing. Me I wasn't raised like that. My son is like what you described and it leads me back to a discussion my grandfather had with me.

Two bulls are on this hill. A daddy bull and his son. Below them is a whole bunch of females. The son says to his dad let's run down there and fuck us one of them dad?

Daddy bull smiles and says let's walk down there and fuck them all?

Makes perfect sense when you think about it. Thing is that people have this sense of urgency when it comes to their needs these days and no care for the world around them.

Part of the American way I guess.

Load more (1 comment)

[–] smallpond 1 points (+1|-0)

Are we really reversing this trend or merely mitigating it? Is there even a way to pull back to local suppliers and shun the global consumer market?

This is what concerns me. I appreciate people making a principled stance but critical mass is needed to make a change or even mount some sort of defense against these larger trends. Perhaps in a small community where everyone knows each other you can get most people on board and have an effect - in a large city I suspect you'd just be pissing into the wind. The tragedy of the commons is hard to overcome.

This is a big-picture issue that would ideally be decided upon by a functional government for the benefit of the wider population. Unfortunately government for people is rare.

I want to talk about Amazon and what it is doing to America

31 comments

/s/Whatever