This is why I use a lot fewer services than I used to. I don't like the new systems that force you to give a tip. Wages are stagnating while corporate profits are doing fine. Something's gotta give.

Being an autistic artist doesn't pay very much. My income is just a tad over the poverty line. I don't complain because I am doing meaningful and necessary work, helping students from marginalized populatoins to succeed in their math classes so they can graduate and get a good job. If we had UBI I'd do it for free.

But I don't like being guilt-tripped into paying people because their company is more interested in profit than in paying their workers properly. So I make my own coffee and eat at home. I live pretty simple anyhow. Don't get stuff delivered (except mail), don't get my hair or nails done, don't drive so I don't need my car serviced, etc.

Last week I met with other members of a grassroots political action group. We met in a coffeehouse, where the cheapest drink was $5.00 and the card reader demanded a tip. I stood aside, embarrassed. I have to work a half hour to earn $5.00 and I didn't want to spend that much on a cup of coffee, plus tip. Why couldn't we meet in a park?... Then someone bought me a coffee. I felt about 3" tall. I resolved to pay cash in the future so the card reader wouldn't shake me down. Or better yet, just don't go out. I've been going out a lot less lately.

Something's gotta give.