I understand why you’re angry.
We put out a reckless message that targeted people that shouldn’t have been. Many people who were already going through a tough situation were needlessly hurt. We shouldn’t have done it. For that I’m sorry.
I’m writing this to explain the context behind the message. If you feel that no amount of explaining will excuse that, I respect that. But if you’re willing to read and reconsider, I would be thankful.
There is no doubt. I’ve personally gone through my own struggles, and I’ve seen many important people in my life go through it. I’ve seen what psych wards look like from the inside. I’ve tried a few medications. I’ve seen people try to end their lives many, many times. The problem is real.
Because I personally find it funny to use blunt language with the people around me. I didn’t stop and think that it would be hurt others in a broader setting.
About 1/3 of all our transactions use PWD IDs. Other restaurants have reported the same. If this continues upwards, maybe half the population will be on discount cards soon.
If resources were infinite, we’d be behind it.
But someone is paying for those discounts. In this case, it’s not the government. Restaurants pay for these discounts. And since most restaurants cannot afford to pay for these discounts (many will go out of business), most will raise prices. When prices go up, people who pay in full will effectively subsidize PWDs using discounts.
This is where many of us will end up on a different page. Most people will fall under one of the ff:
In an ideal world, we’d be on the first point. But reality pushes us closer to the second. I’d like to explain why.
I’m aware that compassion to all people sounds better on paper. But this is tricky when implemented.