Weyco

I guess what I'm saying in this blog is that not only do my own circumstances seem unusually odd, oppressive and down right un-American, but the whole country seems to have gone facistlite. Suddenly rights have become privileges for people, and regulations have become rights for corporations.

The newest story of Weyco telling its employees to quit smoking or find new employment seems to be part of a pattern of the erosion of respect for individual freedom in this country. What's more shocking and depressing is that not many people seem to care. Only three Weyco employees actually left the company after it announced its new policy. While that might be more an indication of the health of the current job market in Okemos, MI it doesn't bode well for a healthy respect for civil liberties in the population in general.

Weyco Inc., claims to be looking at the bottom line. Apparently, cigarette smoking costs the company money in higher health care costs. That point is entirely debatable, but the more germane question seems to be "So what?" Its not as if the health care offered by most companies is actually care. In most instances its cost management for the company, and the individual worker not only does not receive quality health care, but in the event of a serious illness will most likely end up penniless, as well as unable to work. (see Get Sick in the US...)

The quality of health care had been declining for most Americans since the 80's amid claims by employers that they just can't afford the costs. The companies get larger and larger, and it seems the citizenry gets poorer and poorer, and the quality of life becomes less and less. Will we have company curfews next, so that employees are properly rested for work? Will speeding tickets and DUI's become a cause for termination. And again does anyone care?

How much are American's willing to bear for the illusion of human perfection and security?