I am a softy, but I didn’t use to be. I got that letter from my Sacramento Bee delivery person, that is supposed to remind me to leave a tip for Christmas. In the good old days, I was a stingy SOB and wouldn’t have left him or her a tip. My friends use to call me a slimy Bast--rd, and I took it as a compliment. I mean when you strive to be a despicable businessman and you achieved that goal, I do believe you should be proud. I mean I use to have a portrait of my hero, Ebenezer Scrooge, on the wall of my office. Then I met my social worker wife and all that changed. I became a nice guy. Now I tip everybody and donate to everybody. I get close to 40 letters a week from different organizations asking for money. When I get 4 letters on one day from the same company requesting money, I begin to miss the old days. Oh well, I will send my paper girl a tip for Christmas and even write her a nice note. The problem is, the last time I sent a tip, the Bee carrier quit the next day.
Folks, we are doing what we think is right. We are serving outside in the cold. Mind you, we have spent tons of money on heaters and it still isn’t enough. However, many restaurants are still serving inside. I wish things were different and everyone abided by the rules, but it is what it is. I have heard stories of restaurants packing people inside. There are some that just can’t afford to close and I understand that they just can’t afford to lose their business, but some restaurant owners have the money and are just slimy SOBs.