Post #203492 by Thomas on Fri, Dec 16, 2005 8:31 PM

I'm of two minds on that, Pablus. When it comes to personal taste, I'm inclined to agree: I probably wouldn't fly to Jamaica or Cancun, for example, and go to Margaritaville. My impulse would certainly be to try to have a more unique experience generated by a combination of my own efforts and happenstance. Life tends to more interesting that way in my opinion, and I gather that you feel the same way.

I can't say I look at the photos of those establishments and say, "Yecch," though. I see the results of risk-taking capital investment. I see payrolls with thousands of people earning paychecks, health insurance, and the like (I've never created a job opportunity for a Jamaican, and probably never will -- I am inclined to salute those who do). I see enterprises which pay taxes to the jurisdictions in which they are located, which help fund schools, police departments, and the like. I see a brand which seeks to promise a high level of service (decent, safe food; clean restrooms; etc.) and will suffer if it fails to deliver these things.

I think these things are morally good, simply put, and in a way that does not depend on whether or not I personally share the aesthetic sense of the establishments (which, on the whole, I do not).

Pablus, this might seem obsequious, but here goes nonetheless. I'm relatively new here, and haven't had the pleasure of meeting you or any of the folks here in person yet. However I have read in recent weeks of your pain at losing a friend and brother in music, your global travels, and your professional recording endeavors. As insecure as this might seem on my part, I'll not hide that I felt honored by your response to my post. I know that sounds a bit over the top, but it's pretty much how I feel right now, so there it is.