Been in bed since yesterday and not improving much, nasty cold or flu but no phlegm or temperature. Most of my fam is scattered around the country and we spent a lot of time together this year - so no regret missing the fam, they knew months ago I’d be absent. I’m missing close friends but they totally understand and I’m thankful. I have a roaring fire and two fur babies to keep me warm, and plenty of amazing food.
But, I still cannot shake my combo anger and sadness about ICE detentions in MN past two weeks. Two friends detained overnight. Both citizens. Both Anoka. Dozens of other reports from friends and plenty in the news.
Sorry if I’m not thinking clearly, but I wonder how this impacts local economies? People don’t leave the house cuz they’re afraid of getting detained even if they’re citizens! That’s fcuked and literally what is happening for both citizens and non-citizens here. So they are all missing wages during the holidays and many had little money at the end of the month anyway (and lesser wages means lesser taxes dontcha know).
I wonder what payroll has been like for local retailers impacted by this? I could be waaay wrong but if POC stayed home and didn’t show up for work, their
“don’t have to apologize for being white” peers picked up a bunch of extra shifts and overtime. Or more likely the stores just had longer lines and worse service for customers.
The local gig economy has to be measurably suffering too. Uber/Eats, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, etc. That’s not a small number. And with fewer local drivers - businesses lose revenue too, both local and national.
Too bad we didn’t have more snow in the last 48-hours. I’m not sure what % of snow plow drivers are POC but wouldn’t be surprised if it’s double-digits or actually a lot more. Maybe not MNDOT and ciounty/state roadways but certainly city, retail, and private properties. And what if Becky soccer mom can’t get creme fraiche from Kowalski's cuz the local streets and parking lots are mucked?
Thanks for your patience, gonna put the mouse down now and resume my slumber.
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