Ticket takers

The Steering Committee met this week, so my week was really about producing a lot of materials in support of the meeting.

When I was in London, I needed a ticket for the DLR, a train that connects London City Airport to downtown. I tried buying at the machine but I wasn't clear on for how long a round trip fare would be good. I went to the counter and the man said only a day. I tried to buy a ticket from him and he sent me back to the machine--the only way to buy a ticket. I went to a Post Office in London to buy a stamp to mail my mom's birthday card. Also done by machine. You could go to the counter but you had to take a number and wait. Airline travel is all online and touch screen. Marks & Spencers and Lidl want you to buy your groceries online. If we are meant to do away with the jobs of people who used to provide these services and, god forbid, a smile, then I think there should be a minimum income for people who can't find work in our automated age. Not one based on jumping through hoops and proving you can't work and being demeaned by the benefits system. Just an income that says you are surplus to the economy's requirements but you shouldn't have to eat out of dumpsters.

March 27-29