To Ecopathers:
I have noticed some allusions here to the idea that computer technology can
contribute to a sustainable society. I think the discussion centred around
the choice of operating system for one's home computers.
I confess that I have not followed the thread, but I was reminded of the
following essay by my wife.
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Why I pay my bills by mail
by Libby Hughes-Klokeid
Every month I pay my bills by writing out a cheque for each one, sealing it
and the invoice in an envelope, attaching a stamp, and dropping it and its
brethren into our community mailbox. I realize perfectly well that I could
achieve the same result through an automated banking machine, and I
acknowledge the convenience of the technology, but my reason for paying my
bills using the most labour-intensive system is: it's my contribution to
full employment in Canada.
The payment I mail off is first going to pass through Canada Post's sorting
and distribution system, which employs a large number of Canadians. It'll
get bagged, driven to an airport, loaded, flown, unloaded, and delivered.
That'll keep many Canadian hands busy. Once arrived at its destination,
it'll be processed by its recipient, and later by my credit union, and
finally, it gets put into the mail again to return to me in my monthly
statement.
For the cost of a stamp, I've helped a number of Canadians keep their jobs.
It's the most labour-intensive way of paying my bills, and a monthly
package of stamps costs me $4.50.
In contrast, my paystub indicates that my monthly contribution to
Employment Insurance is many times the cost of a package of stamps. I'm not
convinced that in the long run, Employment Insurance has led to a great
deal of Employment in Canada. I would welcome some concrete eviudence that
Employment Insurance or Automated Banking Machines make any positive
contribution to stable employment, but I do not expect to ever see it..
That package of stamps is my personal campaign for full employment in
Canada. The Employment Insurance system isn't going to do it for us. The
banking systems who promote automated services don't have a job-creation
agenda. But any Canadian can buy a package of stamps.
Forwarded by
Terry J. Klokeid, Ph.D.
Amblewood Organic Farm --Vegetable and herb seeds and seedlings--
126 Amblewood Drive, Fulford Harbour, SaltSpring Island BC V8K 1X2
Voice & fax (250) 653-4099
E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]
