In the US most employers used to provide coffee and some kind of creamer free for employees.

About 25-30 years ago the capitalists realized their employees wouldn’t quit over not having free coffee, so they stopped providing free coffee.

Maybe you got the custom from them, but they have decivilized while y’all have maintained?

I don’t like violence.

But some people need to get punched in the mouth

Some brave patriot needs to test it and demand a jury trial

Assuming the election wasn’t hacked, yeah…

I have my doubts about the election (and I’m a big data engineer with a cyber security cert)

I don’t think we didn’t understand what you’re getting at. I think you’re missing my point though.

You’re describing the way you see respect and work in your value system. Totally valid.

I’m saying that to some people bringing that kind of commitment to a job that disrespects you by not compensating you adequately is disrespectful to yourself.

Are you the kind of person who goes the extra mile for people above you in a hierarchy who don’t give a shit about you? To many, answering yes to that question indicates the lack of self respect, not the presence of it.

What I was trying to explore in my story is a different layer. Something personal and internal. Though respect should be a two way street, it is still a street worth walking alone. That even in imperfect systems, even when others don’t “earn” your respect or see your effort, there’s still a kind of power in choosing to show up with integrity. Not because they deserve it, but because you do.

I think that’s a fine way to go through life. But to expect it of others is messed up. Some people don’t want to prioritize a job that will not prioritise them, and that’s fine. Your suggestion is just a little too close to “tread on me harder, Daddy” than a lot of people are comfortable with. And they aren’t wrong. If doing the work for yourself works for you, that is great. It will make your life easier in some ways. But it absolutely should not be expected in our society.