Drumbeats for the cashless society

[Casey Jones]

That's what they WANT to happen.

The reality is the opposite. I'm traveling in the American Southwest right now - and cash is welcomed, even by motels that for years, would only allow CC payments. Some truck stops give discounts for cash sales - even small gasoline sales at the auto pumps.

The only advantage to CCs, now, is in not having to worry about your supply of green paper. I've got a couple of stashes around the truck body, so I'm a bit moar secure that way. Oh, and buying gas with a credit-card is quicker. Costs you a few cents moar a gallon, and opens you up to electronic hacking/theft by scanning-theft devices on pumps...but it's moar convenient.

Side note: I didn't realize until last week that TRAVELERS' CHEQUES are now unobtainium. Those were a great way to protect your money - even if the po-po confiscates them, they could be replaced. NOBODY could turn them off.

Now they're gone.

 

[Viking]

That's what they WANT to happen.

The reality is the opposite. I'm traveling in the American Southwest right now - and cash is welcomed, even by motels that for years, would only allow CC payments. Some truck stops give discounts for cash sales - even small gasoline sales at the auto pumps.

The only advantage to CCs, now, is in not having to worry about your supply of green paper. I've got a couple of stashes around the truck body, so I'm a bit moar secure that way. Oh, and buying gas with a credit-card is quicker. Costs you a few cents moar a gallon, and opens you up to electronic hacking/theft by scanning-theft devices on pumps...but it's moar convenient.

Side note: I didn't realize until last week that TRAVELERS' CHEQUES are now unobtainium. Those were a great way to protect your money - even if the po-po confiscates them, they could be replaced. NOBODY could turn them off.

Now they're gone.

Where you at? Close to northern Arkansas?

 

[Casey Jones]

Where you at? Close to northern Arkansas?

I'm at my second night in the Grand Canyon. The park is beautiful; but the ugly social dynamics are on full display. As an Engrish Spreaker, I'm in a minority here.

It's amazing how Woked-up the park has become. Now, they cater to the top 2% - all here in their expensive van-conversions, their new Wranglers with pop-up rooftop tents, and diesel motorhomes.

The coffee at the concession stands is...Starcucks.

I may or may not stay a third night. I found, to my surprise, that not only do I get a free permanent pass, as a Persian Gulf veteran over 65, but also Handicapped reduced rates on direct pay-per-use facilities. My campsite is $15 a night.

I didn't even plan to go here. My aim was to travel and photo old Route 66...which is CLOSED from 40 miles out of Barstow, all the way to Needles. I could see from the freeway that sometimes parallels it, that the businesses run to cater to tourists have been closed and some knocked down. Gentrification...more Cali land to sell to Gates or the CCP. I went to the park on a whim - I was here 36 years ago with my ex.

Arizona had large parts of it, but it seems from where I'm at, in GCNP, I-40 has been laid on top of it, except for short stretches. Not worth it.

So when i break camp, I'll head north to Colorado, try making peace with my siblings, and then head home. It's been nice weather, anyway...