Road Rage 101: Automation Wins!

Colokum Craft Coffee Boomer Bunker Dischord Become a Bunker Dweller Aaron Kickstarter Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter 529 Road Rage 101: Automation Wins! Here we go, Coach — clean, tight, and ready to roll: --- **NATIONAL DAY: NATIONAL CHINESE ALMOND COOKIE DAY** **BIRTHDAY: DENNIS QUAID (1954–STILL LIVING) – ACTOR (THE RIGHT STUFF, THE PARENT TRAP, BASS REEVES)** **THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1909 – CONGRESS PASSES THE PAYNE–ALDRICH TARIFF ACT** --- **AUTOMATION WINS: LABOR COSTS VS MACHINES** Following California’s minimum wage increases, new reports show businesses adapting quickly—by cutting hours and increasing automation. Fast food chains and service businesses are leaning into kiosks, app ordering, and reduced staffing to offset higher labor costs. Some locations are scaling back hiring altogether, while others are raising prices, shifting the burden to consumers. This isn’t political—it’s predictable. When labor gets expensive, businesses look for cheaper, more reliable options. Enter machines. They don’t complain, don’t call in sick, and don’t need benefits. The uncomfortable truth? The push for higher wages may be accelerating the replacement of the very jobs it’s trying to protect. --- **NOT FIT FOR TRIAL: JUSTICE OR LOOPHOLE?** A suspect accused in a high-profile killing has been ruled incompetent to stand trial, meaning they are currently unable to understand proceedings or assist in their defense. Instead of facing trial, the individual will likely be placed in a mental health facility for treatment until competency is restored—if it ever is. Cases like this highlight the intersection of mental health and the legal system. Here’s where things get messy. The system says you can’t try someone who doesn’t understand what’s happening—but try explaining that to a victim’s family waiting for justice. It may be legally correct, but emotionally it feels like a stall. The bigger question: is this about fairness… or just another way the system struggles to deliver closure? --- **RETURN OF THE DRAFT DODGERS? AUTOMATIC REGISTRATION COMING** A new policy change will automatically register eligible young men for the Selective Service when they turn 18, removing the need for individuals to sign up themselves. Supporters say it streamlines compliance and ensures readiness, while critics argue it raises concerns about government overreach and revives debates about the draft—especially in a time of global instability. Nothing sparks debate faster than the word “draft.” Even if it’s just registration, it feels like a step closer to something people thought was long gone. For younger generations, this isn’t history—it’s new territory. And for older generations? Let’s just say the phrase “draft dodger” didn’t come out of nowhere. ----- SHOW CREDITS: Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs Cast: Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker Aaron of I had to Say it Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0 Cody the Beard as the Last Word. Supporters: Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News Josh Roberts from New Hampshire and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]