Natalie Dylan is a 22-year-old entrepreneur from California who is trying to raise money to pay for graduate school. Her business idea is all over the Internet. So far, she has a $3.7 million offer from a man in Australia, a book deal lined up and leads from more than 10,000 interested individuals and organizations. Inspired by her sister’s three-week stint as a prostitute, which paid for her own education, Dylan is selling her virginity to the highest bidder.
“You know, honestly it’s never something I anticipated going into when I was younger, but I’m not compromising my own morals,” Dylan said. “I’m not putting more importance on money than family or love. To me, this is just a one-time business encounter. It’s sex for money.”
Her story brings up several ugly issues about today’s society. There is big money in the pornography industry and a lot of people are patrons. Last year, the Ogden-based TopTenReviews found that revenues for the world pornography industry hit an estimated $97 billion in 2006.
In November 2006, Google Trends found that Salt Lake City is No. 5 in the nation for Internet searches for “incest,” No. 7 for searches on “child pornography,” No. 8 for searches on “sex,” and No. 10 for searches on “pedo,” short for pedophile. The world is losing its moral compass. Not to mention the dwindling decency and conscience of the thousands of people who have submitted bids on Dylan’s high-profile public auction.
Most of us are familiar with the risks associated with pornography and reckless sexual behavior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said women pay the biggest price when it comes to the long-term effects of having multiple sexual partners. They can suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal scarring, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. Sexually transmitted diseases like HIV can lead to death.
According to the Utah Legislature, the age of consent to engage in sexual activity is 16. Utah State Code dictates that “a person is guilty of prostitution when he engages in any sexual activity with another person for a fee.” Prostitution is a class B misdemeanor, which means the violator can be subject to a fine and a 180-day prison sentence.
Although there is wisdom in the pursuit of behaviors that build long-lasting relationships, people often want to learn this lesson on their own terms. A $3.7 million one-night stand might set Dylan up financially for life, but she’s also looking at a lifetime of remorse and emptiness by selling out and refusing to develop life’s hard-earned character traits. It’s disgusting.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/1.1311635
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Our local enonomy not all doom, gloom
Since September, we’ve heard nothing but doom and gloom stories in the media about the economy. It’s been portrayed as a beast that cannot be appeased by billions of government bailout dollars.
Earlier this month, consulting giant Mercer reported some 28 percent of 401(k) retirement plan participants saw a 30 percent or more decrease in their account balances in 2008. Last week, Circuit City announced the final closure of more than 550 stores resulting in the loss of 30,000 Utah jobs. Our state’s financial outlook definitely looks grim, until you dig a little deeper.
Spearheaded by KSL radio’s general manager Chris Redgrave, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce is promoting the “What’s Going Right in Utah” campaign. Utah continues to grow, primarily in the health care sector. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget is projecting annual growth between 3 percent and 5 percent in the health service industry.
It has been reported by the mainstream media that unemployment numbers are the worst since the Great Depression. But with population growth and new job analytic benchmarks, this assessment is often presented out of context and doesn’t compare apples to apples.
Redgrave said a fully employed America sees an unemployment level around 5 percent (as of Jan. 18, Utah’s Department of Workforce Services reported the nation’s unemployment rate was 6.7 percent). The department also reported that Utah’s unemployment rate is 3.7 percent and a fully employed workforce typically sees a 3 percent level—virtually full employment. Utah is bringing the national unemployment average down.
Utah’s economy continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate. Austin Sargent, an economist with the Department of Workforce Services, said Utah’s demographic makeup is a lot different than other states. Our diverse workforce (start-up companies, jobs in varying industries) is helping Utah spread the risk and see opportunities in more areas to absorb losses in shrinking industries.
“We have a much younger population,” Sargent said. “We’ve had much more household formation, and that’s what was benefiting our housing market.”
According to Downtown Rising, developments such as the City Creek Center are projected to pump $3 billion into the local economy during the next five years. And projects such as the new high-rise at 222 S. Main are bringing in new money as private investors are financing new developments.
Although Utah’s economy isn’t bulletproof and certainly won’t see an immediate end to the recession, we are predicted to do a lot better than the rest of the country. During these times, it’s important to remember to explore non-traditional, yet honest methods to create value and mutual benefits in business activities. With the health care and technology sectors trending growth, it makes a lot of sense to steer your education into those areas.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/1.1307550
Earlier this month, consulting giant Mercer reported some 28 percent of 401(k) retirement plan participants saw a 30 percent or more decrease in their account balances in 2008. Last week, Circuit City announced the final closure of more than 550 stores resulting in the loss of 30,000 Utah jobs. Our state’s financial outlook definitely looks grim, until you dig a little deeper.
Spearheaded by KSL radio’s general manager Chris Redgrave, the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce is promoting the “What’s Going Right in Utah” campaign. Utah continues to grow, primarily in the health care sector. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget is projecting annual growth between 3 percent and 5 percent in the health service industry.
It has been reported by the mainstream media that unemployment numbers are the worst since the Great Depression. But with population growth and new job analytic benchmarks, this assessment is often presented out of context and doesn’t compare apples to apples.
Redgrave said a fully employed America sees an unemployment level around 5 percent (as of Jan. 18, Utah’s Department of Workforce Services reported the nation’s unemployment rate was 6.7 percent). The department also reported that Utah’s unemployment rate is 3.7 percent and a fully employed workforce typically sees a 3 percent level—virtually full employment. Utah is bringing the national unemployment average down.
Utah’s economy continues to grow, albeit at a slower rate. Austin Sargent, an economist with the Department of Workforce Services, said Utah’s demographic makeup is a lot different than other states. Our diverse workforce (start-up companies, jobs in varying industries) is helping Utah spread the risk and see opportunities in more areas to absorb losses in shrinking industries.
“We have a much younger population,” Sargent said. “We’ve had much more household formation, and that’s what was benefiting our housing market.”
According to Downtown Rising, developments such as the City Creek Center are projected to pump $3 billion into the local economy during the next five years. And projects such as the new high-rise at 222 S. Main are bringing in new money as private investors are financing new developments.
Although Utah’s economy isn’t bulletproof and certainly won’t see an immediate end to the recession, we are predicted to do a lot better than the rest of the country. During these times, it’s important to remember to explore non-traditional, yet honest methods to create value and mutual benefits in business activities. With the health care and technology sectors trending growth, it makes a lot of sense to steer your education into those areas.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/1.1307550
Friday, January 16, 2009
Save Utah's snow from climate change
Next month, New York Times columnist and author Thomas Friedman will be on campus to inform students about the pressing issue of climate change. Whether people think it’s fact or fiction, scientific studies are indicating that Utah could be facing the consequences of global warming in this century.
The National Wildlife Federation says global warming occurs when coal, gas and oil are burned, producing carbon dioxide that builds up in the atmosphere and traps the sun’s heat. Much of the greenhouse gas released remains in the atmosphere even after 100 years, trapping more and more heat. Since the mid-1800s, emissions of carbon dioxide have skyrocketed, and subsequently, global temperatures have risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the last century.
In 2007, eight scientists presented their draft of “Climate Change and Utah: The Scientific Consensus,” to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change. Jim Steenburgh, a U climate scientist who helped develop the report, emphasized there were no recommendations, just a review of scientific research already done that sheds light on how global warming is affecting Utah and might affect the state’s climate landscape in the future.
Utah’s growing population is putting pressure on the state’s water resources like never before. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates average temperatures in Utah could rise about 6.75 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100 if global warming continues. This will likely bring hotter, drier summers, which are ripe conditions for wildfires. Warmer temperatures also mean less snowpack and earlier snowmelt in the mountains, which means more winter runoff and reduced summer flows in many Utah streams.
In 2007, USA Today reported Utah’s trademark “Greatest Snow on Earth” could be a memory by 2075, citing a report from a pair of Colorado University climatologists. It warned that global warming could shrink the ski season to a mere two months a year. Utah’s ski season could extend only from Christmas to Presidents Day.
The U’s Office of Sustainability is a clearinghouse for information on sustainability initiatives being carried out by other departments and groups on campus. On its Web site it makes several recommendations of how students can do their part to combat climate change.
For example, if people plant shade trees around their homes, they can reduce annual heating and cooling costs by an average of 40 percent. If every household in America replaced its next burned out light bulb with a compact fluorescent, we would prevent more than 13 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted.
Another simple solution is to utilize the big paper bins placed all over campus. The bins with white labels are intended for white copy paper, thicker card stock and envelopes. The Mixed Paper bins with the red labels are for other types of paper such as magazines, newspaper and catalogues.
After you finish reading the paper, do your part and put it in the Mixed Paper bin with the red label.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/save_utah_s_snow_from_climate_change
The National Wildlife Federation says global warming occurs when coal, gas and oil are burned, producing carbon dioxide that builds up in the atmosphere and traps the sun’s heat. Much of the greenhouse gas released remains in the atmosphere even after 100 years, trapping more and more heat. Since the mid-1800s, emissions of carbon dioxide have skyrocketed, and subsequently, global temperatures have risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the last century.
In 2007, eight scientists presented their draft of “Climate Change and Utah: The Scientific Consensus,” to Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change. Jim Steenburgh, a U climate scientist who helped develop the report, emphasized there were no recommendations, just a review of scientific research already done that sheds light on how global warming is affecting Utah and might affect the state’s climate landscape in the future.
Utah’s growing population is putting pressure on the state’s water resources like never before. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates average temperatures in Utah could rise about 6.75 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100 if global warming continues. This will likely bring hotter, drier summers, which are ripe conditions for wildfires. Warmer temperatures also mean less snowpack and earlier snowmelt in the mountains, which means more winter runoff and reduced summer flows in many Utah streams.
In 2007, USA Today reported Utah’s trademark “Greatest Snow on Earth” could be a memory by 2075, citing a report from a pair of Colorado University climatologists. It warned that global warming could shrink the ski season to a mere two months a year. Utah’s ski season could extend only from Christmas to Presidents Day.
The U’s Office of Sustainability is a clearinghouse for information on sustainability initiatives being carried out by other departments and groups on campus. On its Web site it makes several recommendations of how students can do their part to combat climate change.
For example, if people plant shade trees around their homes, they can reduce annual heating and cooling costs by an average of 40 percent. If every household in America replaced its next burned out light bulb with a compact fluorescent, we would prevent more than 13 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted.
Another simple solution is to utilize the big paper bins placed all over campus. The bins with white labels are intended for white copy paper, thicker card stock and envelopes. The Mixed Paper bins with the red labels are for other types of paper such as magazines, newspaper and catalogues.
After you finish reading the paper, do your part and put it in the Mixed Paper bin with the red label.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/save_utah_s_snow_from_climate_change
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sundance rooted in truth: Festival began with political dialogue
Every year, Utah plays host to one of the world’s most respected film festivals. It’s a global phenomenon found in the mountains of Utah that is easily accessible to locals across the Wasatch Front.
The Sundance Film Festival starts today in Park City and runs until Jan. 25. Viewers can go and enjoy cutting-edge cinematography, compelling stories and hours of entertainment, both on the screen and on Main Street.
Last year, more than 45,000 people visited the festival, spending an estimated $63.3 million. Jill Miller, the institute’s general manager, said Sundance ticket sales are “on par with last year.”
The Sundance Film Festival was founded in 1981 and has enjoyed tremendous success and growth ever since.
Festival founder Robert Redford created the festival with a unique vision.
“I want Sundance to be a forum for cultural exchange and for political dialogue,” Redford said in an interview with The Daily Insider, the festival’s news service. “We’re not hearing the truth about a lot of issues and I’m worried that people are giving up and getting numb and not even bothering to look for the truth.”
Some Sundance films such as “Super Size Me” accurately portray truth, at least from the consumer’s perspective. In this instance, one will never look at a Big Mac the same way after seeing Morgan Spurlock slam down dozens of burgers and watching how dilapidated he became. Today, McDonald’s has abandoned marketing its signature sandwiches and is advertising unprocessed foods.
Sundance viewers can judge for themselves as to whether or not they find truth at this year’s festival. Not only are so many competing ideologies presented to viewers, with a common goal for filmmakers to sell their material to willing buyers and gain financial success, but the culture wars are also fully engaged with Hollywood types striving to swat the viewpoint of the average filmgoer. One has to wonder whether the viewer will actually find truth, a peddler hawking his wares or an agitator’s vision of cultural correctness.
The truth is interpreted to mean a lot of different things by different people. Like all things Hollywood, it comes down to the money, the politics and the celebrity sightings. It’d be great if Sundance could return to its roots and put the focus back on inspiring and revealing documentaries and compelling nonfiction stories.
As to finding truth, people should go and see for themselves whether Redford’s stated vision is materialized at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/1.1300945
The Sundance Film Festival starts today in Park City and runs until Jan. 25. Viewers can go and enjoy cutting-edge cinematography, compelling stories and hours of entertainment, both on the screen and on Main Street.
Last year, more than 45,000 people visited the festival, spending an estimated $63.3 million. Jill Miller, the institute’s general manager, said Sundance ticket sales are “on par with last year.”
The Sundance Film Festival was founded in 1981 and has enjoyed tremendous success and growth ever since.
Festival founder Robert Redford created the festival with a unique vision.
“I want Sundance to be a forum for cultural exchange and for political dialogue,” Redford said in an interview with The Daily Insider, the festival’s news service. “We’re not hearing the truth about a lot of issues and I’m worried that people are giving up and getting numb and not even bothering to look for the truth.”
Some Sundance films such as “Super Size Me” accurately portray truth, at least from the consumer’s perspective. In this instance, one will never look at a Big Mac the same way after seeing Morgan Spurlock slam down dozens of burgers and watching how dilapidated he became. Today, McDonald’s has abandoned marketing its signature sandwiches and is advertising unprocessed foods.
Sundance viewers can judge for themselves as to whether or not they find truth at this year’s festival. Not only are so many competing ideologies presented to viewers, with a common goal for filmmakers to sell their material to willing buyers and gain financial success, but the culture wars are also fully engaged with Hollywood types striving to swat the viewpoint of the average filmgoer. One has to wonder whether the viewer will actually find truth, a peddler hawking his wares or an agitator’s vision of cultural correctness.
The truth is interpreted to mean a lot of different things by different people. Like all things Hollywood, it comes down to the money, the politics and the celebrity sightings. It’d be great if Sundance could return to its roots and put the focus back on inspiring and revealing documentaries and compelling nonfiction stories.
As to finding truth, people should go and see for themselves whether Redford’s stated vision is materialized at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/1.1300945
Monday, January 12, 2009
Don't be fooled by promises made on infomercials
Perhaps the holidays allow vacationers more time to indulge in television watching, because there seemed to be dozens of new infomercials during December. The Black Magic Pro-Dry Absorbing Cloth can not only pick up soda stains off the carpet, but can also scrub cars and polish countertops. If you’re experiencing a receding or thinning hairline, you can confidentially purchase the Just for Men brush-in hair gel.
The Snuggie is a blanket with sleeves that you can buy for only $14.95. It is touted as a product that keeps you warm while watching TV, reading a book or bundling up during a sporting event. Without this infomercial packed full of information, one would never realize how incredibly difficult it is for many people to get their hands out from under a blanket. It also makes you look like a member of the Emperor’s Royal Guard from Star Wars.
It’s easy to spot an infomercial with lines like: “A (amount) dollar value, absolutely free, if you call now/within the next (number) minutes!,” “But wait, there’s more!” or “But that’s not all!”
Infomercials are paid programming whose content is a commercial message designed to represent the viewpoints and to serve the interest of the sponsor. Because it is pay-for-play information, consumers are often put at risk and enticed with appealing offers on a product that doesn’t always live up to its promises.
For example, OxiClean is marketed by its sponsors as a “miracle cleaner” that can remove any stain. However, consumer feedback in some instances has been quite different. Reviews from www.infomercialscams.com say the product disintegrated bed sheets, left white spots on laundered clothes and left little holes in a pair of white pants. When product defects like this occur, beyond complaining to the manufacturer, there is help for consumers.
To assist consumers with getting quality products and services and companies with improving customer satisfaction, the Better Business Bureau works to facilitate communication between a company and the consumer. It serves to help both sides come to a satisfactory resolution to any complaints that might occur. Also, if a consumer complains about a product or service rendered and paid for, the Federal Trade Commission is in place to investigate fraud, and can lead to law enforcement action.
The best advice is, before you buy, make sure you do your research online and see what other consumers report about their experience with infomercial products. But that’s not all! If you have a complaint to add about a product or service you’ve purchased, be sure to file your complaint, especially if your Snuggie traps your arms and leaves your behind exposed to the breeze.
http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/don_t_be_fooled_by_promises_made_on_infomercials
The Snuggie is a blanket with sleeves that you can buy for only $14.95. It is touted as a product that keeps you warm while watching TV, reading a book or bundling up during a sporting event. Without this infomercial packed full of information, one would never realize how incredibly difficult it is for many people to get their hands out from under a blanket. It also makes you look like a member of the Emperor’s Royal Guard from Star Wars.
It’s easy to spot an infomercial with lines like: “A (amount) dollar value, absolutely free, if you call now/within the next (number) minutes!,” “But wait, there’s more!” or “But that’s not all!”
Infomercials are paid programming whose content is a commercial message designed to represent the viewpoints and to serve the interest of the sponsor. Because it is pay-for-play information, consumers are often put at risk and enticed with appealing offers on a product that doesn’t always live up to its promises.
For example, OxiClean is marketed by its sponsors as a “miracle cleaner” that can remove any stain. However, consumer feedback in some instances has been quite different. Reviews from www.infomercialscams.com say the product disintegrated bed sheets, left white spots on laundered clothes and left little holes in a pair of white pants. When product defects like this occur, beyond complaining to the manufacturer, there is help for consumers.
To assist consumers with getting quality products and services and companies with improving customer satisfaction, the Better Business Bureau works to facilitate communication between a company and the consumer. It serves to help both sides come to a satisfactory resolution to any complaints that might occur. Also, if a consumer complains about a product or service rendered and paid for, the Federal Trade Commission is in place to investigate fraud, and can lead to law enforcement action.
The best advice is, before you buy, make sure you do your research online and see what other consumers report about their experience with infomercial products. But that’s not all! If you have a complaint to add about a product or service you’ve purchased, be sure to file your complaint, especially if your Snuggie traps your arms and leaves your behind exposed to the breeze.
http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/don_t_be_fooled_by_promises_made_on_infomercials
Friday, December 12, 2008
Consitution bars Clinton nomination
A lot of people think the Constitution is a very old piece of paper hidden under glass at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. The words represent a moment in time, but an evolving society has dictated that amendments and legislation be added to accommodate changing opinions and agendas. The latest evidence of this comes with the nomination of Sen. Hillary Clinton to serve in President-elect Obama’s cabinet as Secretary of State.
According to a clause in the Constitution (Article I Section 6), no lawmaker can be appointed to any civil position that was created or received a wage increase during the lawmaker’s time in office. The clause prohibits self-dealing legislation and is intended to protect the “separation of power” of various branches of government.
In January, President George W. Bush signed an executive order increasing the salaries for the Secretary of State and other Cabinet positions by $4,700. Clinton has been in the Senate since January 2001.
“We think it’s inadequate,” said Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch. “You can’t amend the Constitution through legislation like that...the Constitution doesn’t have any caveats. Maybe she has to renounce the salary increase, but I’m sure they’ll find a way around it.”
This is not the first time this issue has arisen. In 1973, President Nixon appointed William Saxbe to be attorney general after he voted to increase cabinet pay during his term. The resolution was for Nixon to petition Congress to allow Saxbe to take the previous attorney general salary.
When faced with a similar situation during his presidency, Ronald Reagan upheld the Constitution closer to home.
“Reagan took a look at this clause and decided against appointing Orrin Hatch, who was a senator and still is, to the Supreme Court,” Fitton said.
It’s disconcerting when the Constitution is overlooked so that individuals can get away with achieving their own self-interests. As evidenced by his nominating of Clinton to a high ranking cabinet position, Obama feels she is the best person for the job, despite the fact that she is the only first lady to have been subpoenaed to testify before a Federal grand jury, a result of her role in the Whitewater controversy. He’s definitely found a lawyer who can talk her way into and out of difficult circumstances.
The Constitution serves two basic purposes: first, to limit the Federal Government; second, to enumerate our basic Rights as individuals. It serves to protect our society and way of life. The Rights of individuals never change and the limitations on the Federal Government do not change without a Constitutional Amendment or Constitutional Convention. It’s an injustice that it is not happening that way today.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/sports/consitution_bars_clinton_nomination
According to a clause in the Constitution (Article I Section 6), no lawmaker can be appointed to any civil position that was created or received a wage increase during the lawmaker’s time in office. The clause prohibits self-dealing legislation and is intended to protect the “separation of power” of various branches of government.
In January, President George W. Bush signed an executive order increasing the salaries for the Secretary of State and other Cabinet positions by $4,700. Clinton has been in the Senate since January 2001.
“We think it’s inadequate,” said Tom Fitton, president of Judicial Watch. “You can’t amend the Constitution through legislation like that...the Constitution doesn’t have any caveats. Maybe she has to renounce the salary increase, but I’m sure they’ll find a way around it.”
This is not the first time this issue has arisen. In 1973, President Nixon appointed William Saxbe to be attorney general after he voted to increase cabinet pay during his term. The resolution was for Nixon to petition Congress to allow Saxbe to take the previous attorney general salary.
When faced with a similar situation during his presidency, Ronald Reagan upheld the Constitution closer to home.
“Reagan took a look at this clause and decided against appointing Orrin Hatch, who was a senator and still is, to the Supreme Court,” Fitton said.
It’s disconcerting when the Constitution is overlooked so that individuals can get away with achieving their own self-interests. As evidenced by his nominating of Clinton to a high ranking cabinet position, Obama feels she is the best person for the job, despite the fact that she is the only first lady to have been subpoenaed to testify before a Federal grand jury, a result of her role in the Whitewater controversy. He’s definitely found a lawyer who can talk her way into and out of difficult circumstances.
The Constitution serves two basic purposes: first, to limit the Federal Government; second, to enumerate our basic Rights as individuals. It serves to protect our society and way of life. The Rights of individuals never change and the limitations on the Federal Government do not change without a Constitutional Amendment or Constitutional Convention. It’s an injustice that it is not happening that way today.
http://dailyutahchronicle.com/sports/consitution_bars_clinton_nomination
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Altruistic restaurant bashed unfairly
Inexperience and not implementing proven business practices seems to be the main problem for the non-profit One World Cafe at 41 S. 300 East. The restaurant touts no menus and encourages customers to pay whatever they think the meal is worth.
But if you ask Rush Limbaugh, it is the liberal ideology behind One World Cafe that is causing the current struggle.
In October, employee paychecks bounced, a long-time manager was fired and the rest of the staff walked out in protest. Bringing the issue to national prominence through his “golden microphone,” Limbaugh singled out the restaurant as a symbol of what to expect of an Obama presidency.
“It’s not just mismanagement, these are a bunch of liberals,” Limbaugh said. “These are liberals playing games with the reality known as business. The owner finally figures out she’s not making a profit and blames it on the fact that she doesn’t have enough business experience and so forth. And these same kinds of people we’ve just put in charge of much of the federal government.”
Limbaugh is out of line. Restaurant founder Denise Cerreta and her chefs make entrées, soups, salads and desserts from organic meats and locally grown produce. They have been in business for five years and turned a 4 to 6 percent profit through 2007 according to the One World Web site.
The cafe even provides volunteer options for those who would prefer a “hand up” rather than a hand out. Rather than provide One World Cafe with free advertising while pushing his conservative agenda, it would be more effective to talk about the good things the restaurant is doing for the community.
One World Cafe governing board member Don Merrill said the basic idea of “helping people fill their stomachs and their spirits” will be maintained under the new management.
When the organization started, it operated without much structure. Later, demands for accountability and efficiency required the non-profit to become not less altruistic, but more professional as time went on.
“There is an arc to altruistic endeavors like this,” Merrill said. “It’s been difficult and painful, but people just felt it was moving away from meeting those new expectations.”
Nobody is forcing any kind of ideology here. As always, we are presented with opposing liberal and conservative ideas. A restaurant needs to operate on solid business practices in order to make money, otherwise it’ll go out of business and no one can eat there. As long as the restaurant makes money, it doesn’t matter what kind of ideology it subscribes to.
It sounds like One World Cafe is making changes to return to profitability, but it will take time to see if those changes will work. Capitalism only requires voluntary agreement by buyer and seller. If you think altruism is antithetical to capitalism, you’ve been drinking the Limbaugh Kool-Aid.
http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/opinion/altruistic_restaurant_bashed_unfairly
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