It's not a bad analogy. The purpose of it is to show the problem with absolute labeling. Just like there are ranges of speeding there are ranges of stealing. This level of stealing (a fountain drink and a muffin that combined might cost CB 27 pennies) is the same as saying UKMF is a "constant lawbreaker" because he drives 57 in a 55 on a regular basis.

 

We are in agree to disagree territory.

Not typically. I used to. Got a couple of violations in a short period of time, and then got a letter from my insurance company saying I was one misstep away from being dropped. That was going on 4 years ago. Driving habits have changed considerably due to that. Unlike Joe here, I got the violations and warnings and changed my behavior to avoid the negative consequences. Joe ignored them, he deserves what he got.

 

Let's be clear when you say "not typically." Joe doesn't "typically" give away muffins. You NEVER go 56 in a 55 anymore?

As much as my mother-in-law spends on 1950's toys from their general store they can afford for Joe to give a muffin or two away.

 

Seems weak. Not saying they are wrong. They have the right to fire him. But it's not a mom and pop place.

 

He apparently has done it multiple times. If they don't restrict it, they have 70000 employees. Not exactly small change.

We are in agree to disagree territory.

 

What part of the analogy do you disagree with?

Let's be clear when you say "not typically." Joe doesn't "typically" give away muffins. You NEVER go 56 in a 55 anymore?

 

Honestly, can't remember the last time I went over the speed limit. Has it happened? I'm sure it has without my knowing it, but not that I'm aware of.

So UKMF hates elderly veterans. Got it.

 

For the record, I know the veteran reference in the article was nothing more than attempting to get readers. Has zero to do with the man getting fired.

I do think Joe is a good guy and I doubt if he really sees what he's done as theft. Many people don't.

Honestly, can't remember the last time I went over the speed limit. Has it happened? I'm sure it has without my knowing it, but not that I'm aware of.

 

Lawbreaker.

These situations are almost "No-win" when faced with them. One issue is that many older workers grew up with gas stations topping off your fluids for free, the baker giving you an extra muffin and the grocer giving away small thing to customers. I've had a guy that just could not understand that he could not give away paint rollers or brushes when someone bought paint or give away ammo when someone bought a gun, because when he was a young man everybody did that.

 

Cracker Barrel could have fired him or reprimanded him and been right or wrong with either decision.

Lawbreaker.

 

Yep. And if a cop wanted to give me a ticket for going 1 over, they are in the right to do so, would you not agree?

 

This is also ignoring how completely absurd the comparison is. You're comparing someone knowingly stealing to someone going a couple mph over the speed limit, which 99% of the time occurs without the driver realizing it.

Cracker Barrel sits corn muffins and biscuits out on request and never charge for them...so is it stealing? What if he gave him one that was brought back from a table (a leftover) and wasn't going to be served, would that be stealing?

Yep. And if a cop wanted to give me a ticket for going 1 over, they are in the right to do so, would you not agree?

 

This is also ignoring how completely absurd the comparison is. You're comparing someone knowingly stealing to someone going a couple mph over the speed limit, which 99% of the time occurs without the driver realizing it.

 

I would agree like I agreed with CB's right to fire Joe. I wouldn't write you a ticket. I wouldn't fire Joe.

 

You're a lawbreaker. Joe is a thief.

Cracker Barrel sits corn muffins and biscuits out on request and never charge for them...so is it stealing? What if he gave him one that was brought back from a table (a leftover) and wasn't going to be served, would that be stealing?

 

Great question and would depend on the company policy. Many do prohibit giving away food, even that which is headed for the garbage. It prevents a daily contest on what can and can't be given away.

Clyde your taking the humanity vs business stand point. Tha'ts a small crowd.

The knee jerk reaction is that they are wrong. However, how many rules violations does one get before having to accept consequences. The fact that's a vet is good for the story but completely irrelevant.

 

Would I have canned him? Probably not. I'd have turned my head. Some "violations" simply aren't worth the hassle.

 

Joe seems like a good man.

 

I'm sure Joe is a really good guy and it's a darn shame he had to loose his job. He put his manager in a precarious situation. Especially after other "violations" had been documented and Joe notified. If other employees know/saw that Joe does this on a regular basis, the manager is put in the middle and has to tow the company line. What if the individual Joe gave the packets and muffin to had buddies? He goes out and tells his buddies that "there's a soft target" in there from 9am-2pm. I worked with the public for over 30 years and I know this kind of stuff happens a lot.