Kroger merger with Albertsons a bad deal for Colorado
Re: “Chains’ CEOs defend merger in court,” Sept. 5 news story
The Kroger/Albertsons court testimony in support of their merger, like promised lower prices and other public benefits, are merely promises (see Supreme Court nominee testimony) that may or may not be honored. That the merger will decrease or eliminate competition is a fact.
David Wolf, Lakewood
Thursday morning’s headlines bring to mind an old expression a teacher in elementary school once said: “When history repeats itself, it becomes very costly.” Never has Mrs. Schrayer been more correct.
The “merger” of the two food giants is nothing more than a big fat money grab for the boys and girls in the C-Suite and their beloved shareholders. They could care less about the buying public and the loyal associates (employees).
Having lived in Florida for 30-plus years, we witnessed the monopoly, Publix, gobble up or destroy the small guy trying to make a grocery store living. This proposed merger is nothing more than a way to monopolize and control the supply and pricing and to increase inflation on a long-term basis. They will be able to raise prices with abandonment.
For the good of the citizens and the associates, stop this transaction that will make these two giants even bigger.
All you have to look at is the satellite mergers, wireless mergers, airline mergers, etc.; the proof is staring you in the face. It’s time for our government to do something for the citizens and not for big fat businesses. Stand up and be counted.
Jay Weinstein, Denver
Finding balance between capitalism and citizenship
Re: “Minimum wage: Small businesses feel squeeze of rising rate,” Sept. 1 news story
Why do we have minimum wages? First, we respect each other. God creates humans in God’s image and each one deserves respect. Each person who works full-time deserves a living wage. “The laborer deserves to be paid.”
The next reason is far more self-serving. We don’t like tent cities. That costs a lot, too. When people are in housing and are productive, it’s a good thing: Everyone’s life is easier.
Lastly, there is no magic bullet for fixing the economy so that it is both utterly dynamically productive and morally responsible for every citizen. Liberals understand this. We need to balance vigorous capitalism with the power of the citizenry to push back on its excesses.
What happens when the capital is given full reign? Well, we tried that in America and got a Great Depression. What happens when the state has complete control? Well, you can pick your poison between Venezuela’s collapse and the freedom-less Orwellian society of Russia.
We need good people to be good citizens who are vigilant, making course corrections for both our economics and government.
And we need people who continue to go out to dinner and gladly pay for what they get. Every man or woman deserves a living wage. Don’t pay the bill knowing that the person who waited on you gave you more of themself than you paid for. Don’t dare look them in the eye after taking advantage of them and laugh.
Jeff Neuman-Lee, Denver
Too much Casa Bonita coverage
Re: ” ‘¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!’: No one else could have pulled it off,” Sept. 5 features story
Enough already with the stories about Casa Bonita! If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had a financial interest in the company. The metro area has thousands of restaurants, but the attention you have shown to this one location, whose highlights are poor food and cliff divers, is something else. Move on, please. Highlight some restaurants that need help and whose life savings are tied to the business.
Chip Morris, Denver
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