I just walked into the local Walmart. All but two cash registers had been replaced by 40 self-checkout stations.

Now I want one

Well, they are checking recipets anymore so you have a point.

Right, you've got a point.

I've seen the technology built in that makes even the self scan machine in the OP obsolete. You simply put your stuff in the cart and some tech in the cart and/or the exit figures out what you bought and charges your account.

Bingo

Considering that one device requires about 30+ people to produce, ship, and maintain that is actually quite an improvement over one minimum wage worker standing behind a counter.

yeah, but the devices are probably being built by people from other countries not being paid 15$ minimum wage... Also most factories are automating labor, so one machine can build other machines.

Funny thing is I work at one of those jobs that has been switching to a lot more automated labor and ironically every time they add one thing that takes away a job it seems they have to hire two additional people to maintain it.

I can't really argue about the parts being made in other countries though without spending a few days figuring out where every part came from right down to the mettle in the wires, but then really that's more a fault with capitalism than anything else. If anything that's a good reason to try to help raise the standard of living in other countries because then they'll start paying their workers comparable rates and suddenly it'll be cheaper to move those companies back to America so they don't have to pay for the shipping on top of the wages.

I have a quick question for you. Who's responsibility is to raise the individual's standard of living, is it the government or the individual her/himself?

I'd tell him to get a job at the place that makes the device since he'll make more money and work better hours.

Truth. Especially if they are manufacturing overseas.

At the end of the day it's kind of a mixed bag. We lose some visible jobs, but those tend to be low paying jobs that wind up not being much better than being on welfare itself. On other hand we gain more high paying jobs that generally aren't seen. However, like Leave-meme-alone says unfortunately it's hard to tell how many of those are local jobs and how many are outsourced. And not to mention many of them tend to be jobs that require at least some level of education and there are a lot of "don't get an education because being smart makes you a liberal" types out there who refuse to do so it will make it harder for them to get work (then again that is kinda their own fault if that's their mind set)

Oh look at that, ran out of ways to defend your ideals so you switched to personal attacks ~shocker~

Actually you're points points been refuted and you've just insulted your opponent and declared yourself the victor. Not that I'd expect anything less when playing chess with a pigeon

Yes I did, you asked what I would tell him. I told you what I would. Then you threw out a bunch of what aboutisms and I said if you add enough what aboutisms to any question you can claim victory. Then you ran out of ideas and started the personal attacks, to which I rolled my eyes at.

Also love how you insulted yourself in the last sentience and probably don't even realize how, XDXDXDXDXD.

Or if a comet hits the earth, or if the stock market crashes, or if a giant EMP destroyed the internet. It's easy to claim someone wrong if you keep adding enough "what if's" to the scenario.

I'm glad you think so because I always pride myself on replying at the same level as the person I'm responding to.

Who you calling kid? I'm older than you Beyotch

And you didn't see anyone else working at that store? It was all customers and no staff at your Wal-Mart there?

One cashier and one person sweeping the area. Sad.

Hahaha at Wal-Mart? I don't believe you AT ALL.

Truth. Most people in this area don't shop at Walmart. That is probably why.