<![CDATA[They pay $34 for burgers.]]>They pay $34 for burgers. Should their fire department service be free? Opening a new fire department in one of NYC's richest neighborhoods has some of America's pettiest journalists asking silly questions in headlines again.🀑

The article acknowledges the fire department analogy, then blows past it.πŸ€·πŸΏβ€β™‚οΈ

The solve for "Sometimes when a service like free childcare is available to all, marginalized communities get squeezed out," is "Address that racism."

It's not "Therefore waste incredible amounts of time and money trying to means test something that society should just make available to all.🀑"

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/topic/65ee5482-4f0c-46a5-bbf7-3f46787c0286/they-pay-34-for-burgers.RSS for NodeMon, 06 Apr 2026 17:53:30 GMTFri, 03 Apr 2026 12:25:04 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:00:07 GMT]]>@heathen_cat @mekkaokereke exactly! My mom had me on my first diet at age 10. And it took me a looooong time as an adult to learn I actually do like grapefruit.

In high school, a family friend (I called her "aunt" but we weren't related) worked in the cafeteria, and she would often sneak me soup or a sandwich. It was sometimes the only time I ate in the day.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://social.lol/ap/users/116222791154990167/statuses/116349390493506214https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://social.lol/ap/users/116222791154990167/statuses/116349390493506214Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:00:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:45:38 GMT]]>@Bartok
I say tax them higher or means test/sliding scale. I am NOT in favor of shutting anyone out NOR am I in favor of just not having it for fear a rich person gets access. If everyone gets it, everyone gets it. I don't care what rich people have if ny needs are more than covered.

Also that person paid their SSDI contributions. Fair is fair. I like fairness.
@futurebird @mekkaokereke

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://social.praxis.nyc/users/camille/statuses/116349333542131676https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://social.praxis.nyc/users/camille/statuses/116349333542131676Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:45:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:27:16 GMT]]>@mekkaokereke that type of framing assumes that rich families must be happy and healthy. My parents struggled but made just enough money, yet I went without food so much because of their abusive behavior. How many kids could be helped when _everyone_ gets child care and lunch?

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://social.lol/ap/users/116222791154990167/statuses/116348317638504686https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://social.lol/ap/users/116222791154990167/statuses/116348317638504686Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:27:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:26:14 GMT]]>@mekkaokereke@hachyderm.io I mean, what do they think Mamdani should build there? A Turkish embassy?

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://fire.asta.lgbt/notes/akock7fcf3z40001https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://fire.asta.lgbt/notes/akock7fcf3z40001Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:26:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:00:04 GMT]]>@screwturn this.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.social/users/mauvedeity/statuses/116348210682065976https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.social/users/mauvedeity/statuses/116348210682065976Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:00:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:53:31 GMT]]>@mhoye @mekkaokereke The efficiency experts can't conceive of themselves as a cost center.]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://cambrian.social/objects/98bbe454-6069-d15e-2b63-12e815366132https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://cambrian.social/objects/98bbe454-6069-d15e-2b63-12e815366132Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:53:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:43:53 GMT]]>@klausfiend @mekkaokereke Absolutely! We've been this way for literally centuries. Pulling people out of that thinking has been a constant tug of war.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://fandom.ink/users/silver_huskey/statuses/116347911107566169https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://fandom.ink/users/silver_huskey/statuses/116347911107566169Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:43:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:39:54 GMT]]>@silver_huskey @mekkaokereke I think that's what you get when the founding culture was that of fun-hating Puritans.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mstdn.ca/ap/users/116213082989216869/statuses/116347895476814830https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mstdn.ca/ap/users/116213082989216869/statuses/116347895476814830Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:39:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:36:16 GMT]]>@futurebird @mekkaokereke well, yeah; if the servant class isn't constantly under the kind of pressure that makes them submit to the authority of extreme wealth, then, from the perspective of the ruling class, extreme wealth loses some of its value (even if their purchasing power goes up).

(fwiw, a quick googling of "${nyt_board_member} net worth" suggests they're not billionaires, but like 8 to 9 figures, so still pretty comfortable. it seems as if it's just a rag by the rich, for the rich.)

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.social/users/JamesWidman/statuses/116347645244772477https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.social/users/JamesWidman/statuses/116347645244772477Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:36:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:24:55 GMT]]>@camille @futurebird @mekkaokereke I worked with a corporate attorney who was losing her eyesight, and she was awarded SSDI at the hearing stage. Between her and her husband, I reckon their wealth was around $10 million. Family of four.

Clearly, she didn't need SSDI.

Yes, ensure the health and well being (housing, school, wages, etc.) for all, w/o means testing.

But the point is that while I do not favor means testing, the wealthy should not available themselves of these public goods.

Because they do not need them.

This is economic efficiency on the one hand, and compassion on the other.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://kolektiva.social/ap/users/115526266487319880/statuses/116347600629994177https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://kolektiva.social/ap/users/115526266487319880/statuses/116347600629994177Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:24:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:23:25 GMT]]>@mekkaokereke I love how we in this country love minding everyone's business but our own. Fuck means testing.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://fandom.ink/users/silver_huskey/statuses/116347594705134935https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://fandom.ink/users/silver_huskey/statuses/116347594705134935Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:23:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:13:47 GMT]]>@rlonstein @futurebird @mekkaokereke When I don't get shit from Amazzzz....

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mathstodon.xyz/users/geonz/statuses/116347556821732673https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mathstodon.xyz/users/geonz/statuses/116347556821732673Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:13:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:11:15 GMT]]>@wendinoakland @mekkaokereke oh I know. The system isn't working right. But heaven forbid they see fixing that as a viable solution to their made-up problem

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://pdx.social/users/portlandy/statuses/116347546884664245https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://pdx.social/users/portlandy/statuses/116347546884664245Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:11:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:07:18 GMT]]>@sabrina @mekkaokereke and all those "successful self-made small business entrepreneurs" who got where they are through child labor violations against their own children.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.social/users/thomasjwebb/statuses/116347531318196001https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.social/users/thomasjwebb/statuses/116347531318196001Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:07:18 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:00:38 GMT]]>@mekkaokereke New headline: "They use our roads, they use daycare - should they not pay at least some taxes?"

That's the means test in every situation. Claiming something is a 'free' service is glossing that the entire taxation question.

Tax the rich.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mstdn.ca/users/zazzoo/statuses/116347505128859713https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mstdn.ca/users/zazzoo/statuses/116347505128859713Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:00:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:58:10 GMT]]>@sabrina @mekkaokereke This is such an excellent point that I'm shocked I've never heard anyone make before.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://social.ridetrans.it/users/Andres4NY/statuses/116347495416746718https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://social.ridetrans.it/users/Andres4NY/statuses/116347495416746718Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:58:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:31:10 GMT]]>@Doug_Bostrom
You can, except you need to first shovel all the bullshit out of the way before you can see the sunlight. Try to read what the Fed writes about the origin of money and its intentionally obfuscational. The Bank Of England published a paper a decade ago and its still actively opposed by that "old time religion"
@futurebird @mekkaokereke

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.sdf.org/users/dlakelan/statuses/116347389230494608https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.sdf.org/users/dlakelan/statuses/116347389230494608Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:31:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:15:22 GMT]]>@portlandy @mekkaokereke Rich people don’t necessarily pay more in taxes. There are clever loopholes for rich people to use to avoid paying taxes, where working folks usually bear the biggest burden of taxation

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://beige.party/users/wendinoakland/statuses/116347327130538967https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://beige.party/users/wendinoakland/statuses/116347327130538967Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:15:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:04:28 GMT]]>@dlakelan @futurebird @mekkaokereke

Can work it out with pencil amd paper but popular econ mythology in service of avarice blinds us.

It's like "old time religion."

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://scicomm.xyz/users/Doug_Bostrom/statuses/116347284263265295https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://scicomm.xyz/users/Doug_Bostrom/statuses/116347284263265295Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:04:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:53:31 GMT]]>@futurebird
Taxes literally are burning money, thats what they are. Govt Spending creates money, taxes burn it up so as to prevent hoarding and inflation.
@mekkaokereke

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.sdf.org/users/dlakelan/statuses/116347241172659703https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.sdf.org/users/dlakelan/statuses/116347241172659703Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:53:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:43:13 GMT]]>@DavidM_yeg
Food is not a privilege.

The implications of teaching anything else to kids are really scary.

I mean what ignorant adult would teach our kids that food is a privilege and then grow old and feeble and become a burden on society πŸ€¦β€β™€οΈ

@mekkaokereke

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mas.to/users/iwein/statuses/116347200732130809https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mas.to/users/iwein/statuses/116347200732130809Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:43:13 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:38:00 GMT]]>@Yza @realtegan @mekkaokereke like most rich people wouldn't instantly get snobby about taking it and start conspicuously consuming something else to distance from it

also like... as if the rich don't already take far more from public funds anyway. drop in the ocean, well worth it for helping everyone

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mas.to/users/sinvega/statuses/116347180210862212https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mas.to/users/sinvega/statuses/116347180210862212Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:38:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:25:39 GMT]]>@mekkaokereke
Just make sure they pay more tax

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.me.uk/users/Christo_459/statuses/116347131595021860https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://mastodon.me.uk/users/Christo_459/statuses/116347131595021860Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:25:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to They pay $34 for burgers. on Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:08:43 GMT]]>@mekkaokereke I mean, the correct answer to this question should be: "Yes, they're rich, but they also pay more than enough taxes to make good for it", and the true question is why it isn't.

]]>https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://hespere.de/users/hllizi/statuses/116347065040304289https://forum.fedi.dk/post/https://hespere.de/users/hllizi/statuses/116347065040304289Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:08:43 GMT