to tip or not to tip

First, I tip.  Second, I am dead opposed to the custom of tipping. 

But when in Rome...and so Cathy and I, spending many days on the road and eating in many different restaurants, accept tipping as another cost in conducting our daily business. 

In its origins, tipping seemed a good idea.  When someone provided services above and beyond, a show of appreciation rewarded their extra effort. 

But tipping has morphed into an expectation.  It is a subsidy not a show of appreciation.  Indeed, many establishments are now adding the tip at an ever increasing amount on the check along with the meal and the tax. 

What a sweet deal for businesses whose employees operate on a low salary plus tips in order to make a living. 

That ten dollar lunch will cost you about thirteen dollars after tip and tax.  That thirty dollar cab ride will run you around thirty five dollars or more. 

So as to not ramble too long, here in brief is the Jarvis Plan for state governments needing to balance budgets. 

Reduce all government employees salaries, including elected officials, by fifty percent.  Establish a 25% tip for any services rendered. 

So if you are an administrative assistant to an executive you will receive tips from him/her for your daily work.  He/she, in turn will receive tips from whomever he/she is serving.  And so it goes until, you guessed it, the public picks up the final tab.  But heck, we're already doing that. 

 

Curious Carl