How Much Does That Burger Cost?

       Say, how are you enjoying those burgers and fries or pizza or fish or chicken or whatever? Taste great? Well, that's what fast food is all about, taste. So you should enjoy them and for a very good reason. You should enjoy them not only because they taste good, but because you paid for them. In fact you paid for them.... twice. Now why would I make a statement like that?
       Well for one thing, when you walk into your favorite local fast food vender, you belly up to the counter and place your order. The very next thing you do is pay for your fast food. Of course first you're asked if this is take out or eat in. Either way, when you're done, you leave. So how can I say you paid twice for that great tasting food? Is it because I think it's unhealthy? Hey, I don't care if it's unhealthy or not, and that doesn't enter into this conversation.
       So you're still wondering what I mean by saying you pay twice for your fast food. Well, have you ever noticed that not everybody behind the counter is some youngster? In fact, most fast food workers are adults or young adults. Either way, they're not making a living wage. And that means that they're not paying taxes because they don't make enough to put food on the table never mind pay taxes.
       All of which means you're subsidizing them. Yep, you're paying for their food stamps, rent supplement, free emergency room care or healthcare and other safety net assistance. Now you could run out and bad-mouth these folks for not paying their fair share, but just what would be the fair share of someone's income when they don't have any spare change left over after eating?
        Well, who's to blame then for your burger and fries costing you twice? Well, let me see.... If I didn't get paid enough to pay for these fancy frills like healthcare, food, a roof over my head and the like, the problem might be with the fact that I don't get paid enough. Didn't I just say that? Weren't you paying attention?
       Now I realize you don't want to pay any more for that tasty burger, but is that a sound reason for not getting paid enough to live on? Maybe a spot under a nearby bridge would suffice as housing. Then the garbage cans could supply food for the makeshift table. I guess anything is possible in the search for cheap tasty fast food. It may be okay for you, but what about the other guy?