Free choices in a free market
It was announced last week the CEO of McDonald's Corp. received a 29 percent increase in compensation for 2009 or $17.6 million. Should I be upset? No. This is what free markets are all about. Do I like the notion of what it costs people of this country to enable this lofty increase, a big no!
Health care costs continue to skyrocket, poor nutrition can lead to multiple complications, and the fast food industry has much to do with enticing a growing young and old population.
Jobs are scarce in a down economy, we should consider the $1 million fine given to 11 Nevada McDonald's owners in 2008 that pleaded guilty to violation of immigration laws and agreed to pay. More recently, last month, 21 individuals under suspicion of identity theft employed by McDonald's in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa locations were turned over to ICE. These are jobs your son or daughter could have.
In a free market, people with courage and conviction can make free choices. While CEO's receive huge increases we often believe we have little control over the situation. Legislative and judicial systems (particularly in Illinois) become lackadaisical in enforcing the laws we already have in place. The next time you begin to steer into your favorite fast food poor nutrition emporium, or job magnet for illegal labor, consider driving right by while you take pride in the power you do have in a free market.
Jerry Bromley
Schaumburg