# ACA, and the bastages who run the local franchise of "Red Robin" **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 4, 2013, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359 "2013-10-04T15:00:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/81 "2013-10-06T20:38:00Z")
So, what do we do with all those useless people? Have you a plan? And their children? Shall we simply forbid them to have children? Or do we throw away untold amounts of potential because they are not properly fed and schooled? How much punishment do you think is appropriate for someone who irresponsibly chooses bad parents? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/82 "2013-10-06T20:39:39Z")
> [@Rollo\_Tomasi](#): > > [Disney World is doing the same for all of its part-timers.](http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/10/02/2716951/disney-world-obamacare-promote-full-time/) The article says it’s offering full time hours to 427 employees. Disney World employs over sixty thousand people - it’s the largest single-site private employer in the USA, if not the world - so this is not really a big deal for them. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/83 "2013-10-06T20:40:37Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > Amazing. Somehow saying that working in a fast food restaurant shouldn’t pay $20,000 - $30,000 a year with full benefits translates into those workers are less than human. That leap of complete illogic should win some sort of prize. Not that you should be proud to display it … You’re the one who characterized the jobs as “not important enough”. Maybe you feel the lesser skilled deserve less but they’re usually the ones who have to deal with _your_ shit. One way or another. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/84 "2013-10-06T20:43:52Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > Red Robin is not a fast food place, it’s a full service restaurant. OK, then, if you want to focus that narrowly - Somehow saying that working in a restaurant shouldn’t pay $20,000 - $30,000 a year with full benefits translates into those workers are less than human. > [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](#): > > I honestly have no idea what this means. Perhaps you could elaborate before readers go off assuming you’re saying something akin to, “Them lower class folks shouldn’t be off breeding like rats. They can’t afford all them kids!” That’s a little gross but it’s close. I do not understand how it is that you all cannot see that everyone rushing to the “rescue” of each and every kid who isn’t living a middle class life results in the irresponsible and the just plain stupid deciding they don’t need to be responsible for anything, including their own children. Perhaps if you’d lived with “them lower class folks” for a decade or so, you’d have a better understanding of the attitude of far too many of them. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/85 "2013-10-06T20:52:06Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > I do not understand how it is that you all cannot see that everyone rushing to the “rescue” of each and every kid who isn’t living a middle class life results in the irresponsible and the just plain stupid deciding they don’t need to be responsible for anything, including their own children. So a few years of malnutrition, deprivation and poor housing will change that? ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/86 "2013-10-06T20:52:44Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > So, what do we do with all those useless people? Have you a plan? And their children? Shall we simply forbid them to have children? Or do we throw away untold amounts of potential because they are not properly fed and schooled? How much punishment do you think is appropriate for someone who irresponsibly chooses bad parents? Try living the life and then come back and tell me that a) there is any potential there, and b) they aren’t already given plenty of opportunity to be properly fed and schooled as it is without giving them even more. And do let us know what it is that the “parents” do with everything they are given that is supposed to go to the kids. I’ve said before that if people have children that must be raised by the government, those kids should go to an orphanage type place. The kids won’t be any worse off (probably actually be better off) and it would severely discourage those who can’t afford them to quit having them. > [@runner pat](#): > > You’re the one who characterized the jobs as “not important enough”. > Maybe you feel the lesser skilled deserve less but they’re usually the ones who have to deal with _your_ shit. One way or another. Well, I’m skilled and I’m dealing with your shit … Do you seriously think that restaurants are important to the country? Or movie theaters, babysitters, lawn care? You keep focusing on the workers and not the job, which is where your problem is - there is simply no way we can afford to pay that kind of money and offer those sorts of benefits for each and every job out there. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/87 "2013-10-06T20:53:43Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > Perhaps if you’d lived with “them lower class folks” for a decade or so, you’d have a better understanding of the attitude of far too many of them. And we all know being raised in a wealthy environment turns out [model citizens.](http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/ex-nfl-player-home-trashed-hundreds-partying-teens-article-1.1460006) ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/88 "2013-10-06T20:57:01Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > So a few years of malnutrition, deprivation and poor housing will change that? Nobody who hasn’t lived below the poverty line should be trying to make statements on this subject. It just shows that you have zero idea what you are talking about. So, won’t be responding to anyone who is just repeating shit they have heard anymore. > [@runner pat](#): > > And we all know being raised in a wealthy environment turns out model citizens. Ah, then you agree that it isn’t money that makes a difference then, eh? ---
**Author:** ![Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/do_not_taunt/32/2968_2.png) [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/89 "2013-10-06T20:57:33Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > That’s a little gross but it’s close. I do not understand how it is that you all cannot see that everyone rushing to the “rescue” of each and every kid who isn’t living a middle class life results in the irresponsible and the just plain stupid deciding they don’t need to be responsible for anything, including their own children. > > Perhaps if you’d lived with “them lower class folks” for a decade or so, you’d have a better understanding of the attitude of far too many of them. Good, glad we cleared that up. And don’t get me wrong - I totally agree. Kids who aren’t smart enough to pick rich - or at least middle-class - parents get what they have coming to them. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/90 "2013-10-06T21:09:52Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > I’ve said before that if people have children that must be raised by the government, those kids should go to an orphanage type place. The kids won’t be any worse off (probably actually be better off) and it would severely discourage those who can’t afford them to quit having them. > > Do you seriously think that restaurants are important to the country? Or movie theaters, babysitters, lawn care? You keep focusing on the workers and not the job, which is where your problem is - there is simply no way we can afford to pay that kind of money and offer those sorts of benefits for each and every job out there. And who’s going to pay for these places? And what’s wrong with focusing on the workers? One of the main reasons the country is in such trouble job-wise is the focus on squeezing out every penny of profit possible without regard to the damage done to the employees and society in general. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/91 "2013-10-06T21:13:44Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > Nobody who hasn’t lived below the poverty line should be trying to make statements on this subject. It just shows that you have zero idea what you are talking about. So, won’t be responding to anyone who is just repeating shit they have heard anymore. _ **buk-buk-BGAWK!!!** _ ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/92 "2013-10-06T21:21:21Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > And what’s wrong with focusing on the workers? One of the main reasons the country is in such trouble job-wise is the focus on squeezing out every penny of profit possible without regard to the damage done to the employees and society in general. You do realize that not every business owner is sitting at home drinking rum, and smoking a giant Cuban cigar before taking a swim in his Scrooge McDuck-style vault filled with gold coins? Many are not making a profit, and on paper WORSE off financially that these employees. If you force small business owners to pay a wage in excess of what the employee is worth, then those jobs simply won’t get filled. They are money losers for the business. There is no magic bullet that makes every menial job worth $40k per year with full benefits. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/93 "2013-10-06T21:27:59Z")
> [@jtgain](#): > > You do realize that not every business owner is sitting at home drinking rum, and smoking a giant Cuban cigar before taking a swim in his Scrooge McDuck-style vault filled with gold coins? Many are not making a profit, and on paper WORSE off financially that these employees. > > If you force small business owners to pay a wage in excess of what the employee is worth, then those jobs simply won’t get filled. They are money losers for the business. > > There is no magic bullet that makes every menial job worth $40k per year with full benefits. My last three jobs(beverage distributor delivery driver, courier service) managed to provide full benefits. And these were small local companies. And as a contrast, Walmart is a not a struggling business yet they pulled that “must maximize profits at any cost” shit. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/94 "2013-10-06T21:31:16Z")
So, again, I ask, what do you do with all those useless people? Is there a solution? A temporary solution, or perhaps a final one? ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/95 "2013-10-06T21:36:35Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > Nobody who hasn’t lived below the poverty line should be trying to make statements on this subject. It just shows that you have zero idea what you are talking about. So, won’t be responding to anyone who is just repeating shit they have heard anymore. From 1986 until 1990 I lived on a gross income of between $4000-6000 per year, which put me well below the poverty line. You’re an asshole and your ideas suck. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/96 "2013-10-06T21:45:04Z")
Oh, good. Time for episode 13,712 of the curlcoat show. Previously, on episode 13,711, we learned that the current measles outbreaks are due not to antivaccination movements, but are in fact caused by “filthy Mexican kids” spreading their nasty germs to us helpless Americans. Stay tuned to find out what we learn this time! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/97 "2013-10-06T21:48:29Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > From 1986 until 1990 I lived on a gross income of between $4000-6000 per year, which put me well below the poverty line. You’re an asshole and your ideas suck. 'Ere now, you had a _gross_ income? My income was just mildly disgusting, but I was glad to have it! ---
**Author:** ![CrazyCatLady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dfb087/32.png) [@CrazyCatLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CrazyCatLady)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/98 "2013-10-06T23:34:27Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > Huh. Was that in CA? My experiences at that time were in WA, and in the 80’s when one of my brothers worked at Red Robin, he didn’t get any benefits (or full time hours) until he became a manager. When I waited tables at Cracker Barrel in '99, there were benefits for full-timers. Insurance, vacation, I think even retirement. And lots of us were full-time. This was in Kentucky, but the specific state was irrelevant because benefits were a chain-wide policy. And as **runner pat** says, the tiny vet clinic I worked for immediately after Cracker Barrel offered me full-time hours, paid vacation time, and _free_ health insurance. If he could afford to do that for us, I don’t really get how a big corporation that has a much higher cash flow and the benefit of bulk pricing can’t afford to offer insurance the employee partially pays for. ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2013, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/99 "2013-10-06T23:50:32Z")
The Big Corporation has a Duty to Shareholders to screw their employees as much as possible so their earnings and stock price can keep rising. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 7, 2013, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359/100 "2013-10-07T01:17:20Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > You keep focusing on the workers and not the job, which is where your problem is - there is simply no way we can afford to pay that kind of money and offer those sorts of benefits for each and every job out there. But it does seem possible to provide universal health insurance to everyone no matter their job. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aca-and-the-bastages-who-run-the-local-franchise-of-red-robin/670359.md?page=6)