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> But if you don’t have a Purple Heart or you aren’t really old you better not park in those “veterans parking” spots I see at Lowes. The signs at Lowe's say "

> But if you don’t have a Purple Heart or you aren’t really old you better not park in those “veterans parking” spots I see at Lowes. The signs at Lowe's say "Veteran Parking Only", not "Purple Heart Recipient Parking Only" or "Retired Service Member Parking Only". The class of total US veterans represents 6.7% of all US adults 18 years and over on a trend that's been consistently declining for at least the past 2 decades[1]. There's no moral hazard here and Lowe's is kind enough to extend enough privileged parking to go around. [1] https://fred.stlouisfed.org/graph/?g=16k9O https://fred.stlouisfed.org/graph/?g=16k9O

ericmay 3y ago
It's not a moral hazard and I should have been more clear, unless you are a disabled veteran, received a purple heart or similar, or you are old, I personally think it's cringey as hell to park in these spots and wouldn't be caught dead using one for any other reason. It's a matter of pride and honor for me. The 10% off everything in store? Yea I'll use that one though but I sure as hell feel weird doing it!
- barry-cotter 3y ago
  [flagged]
- metaphor 3y ago
  > It's a matter of pride and honor for me. That's certainly on you, and to each his own (a freedom we once swore to defend, right?), but this 10-year, 2-tour vet wouldn't dare deny the privilege to the lowest ranking prior junior enlisted desk jockey who served a single term and never once deployed, or even some civilian poser who has yet to internalize the core value of integrity. The mission requires service of all forms; surely the preservation of pride and honor isn't predicated on taking a bullet or losing a limb or surrendering 20+ years of adult life for country. > The 10% off everything in store? Yea I'll use that one though but I sure as hell feel weird doing it! Why? Lowe's rakes in a handsome 33% gross margins and billions in net profit every year[1]. In exchange for extending a mere 10% retail discount to 6.7% minority class, the company receives the intangible benefit of community association, positive PR, and share of a growing homeowner customer base (thanks in large part to the VA) with recurring needs...in other words, it's a calculated business decision and marketing expense, not charity. [1] https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/60667/000006066723000034/low-20230203.htm#i6fcd4fbc0dce4b2f96ce7c818d676c11_100 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/60667/00000606672300...
  - ericmay 3y ago
    > The mission requires service of all forms; surely the preservation of pride and honor isn't predicated on taking a bullet or losing a limb or surrendering 20+ years of adult life for country. To me, parking your car in a "veterans" spot at Lowes or anywhere requires exactly that. I'm not a charity case. My legs work just fine thank you. Obviously we disagree here, but I say no thanks to the "privilege" to park closer to a suburban hardware store and have a shorter walking distance than my grandma. > Why? Lowe's rakes in a handsome 33% gross margins and billions in net profit every year I get that, and I use it, but it still feels awkward to me.

ericmay 3y ago

It's not a moral hazard and I should have been more clear, unless you are a disabled veteran, received a purple heart or similar, or you are old, I personally think it's cringey as hell to park in these spots and wouldn't be caught dead using one for any other reason. It's a matter of pride and honor for me. The 10% off everything in store? Yea I'll use that one though but I sure as hell feel weird doing it!

barry-cotter 3y ago
[flagged]
metaphor 3y ago
> It's a matter of pride and honor for me. That's certainly on you, and to each his own (a freedom we once swore to defend, right?), but this 10-year, 2-tour vet wouldn't dare deny the privilege to the lowest ranking prior junior enlisted desk jockey who served a single term and never once deployed, or even some civilian poser who has yet to internalize the core value of integrity. The mission requires service of all forms; surely the preservation of pride and honor isn't predicated on taking a bullet or losing a limb or surrendering 20+ years of adult life for country. > The 10% off everything in store? Yea I'll use that one though but I sure as hell feel weird doing it! Why? Lowe's rakes in a handsome 33% gross margins and billions in net profit every year[1]. In exchange for extending a mere 10% retail discount to 6.7% minority class, the company receives the intangible benefit of community association, positive PR, and share of a growing homeowner customer base (thanks in large part to the VA) with recurring needs...in other words, it's a calculated business decision and marketing expense, not charity. [1] https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/60667/000006066723000034/low-20230203.htm#i6fcd4fbc0dce4b2f96ce7c818d676c11_100 https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/60667/00000606672300...
- ericmay 3y ago
  > The mission requires service of all forms; surely the preservation of pride and honor isn't predicated on taking a bullet or losing a limb or surrendering 20+ years of adult life for country. To me, parking your car in a "veterans" spot at Lowes or anywhere requires exactly that. I'm not a charity case. My legs work just fine thank you. Obviously we disagree here, but I say no thanks to the "privilege" to park closer to a suburban hardware store and have a shorter walking distance than my grandma. > Why? Lowe's rakes in a handsome 33% gross margins and billions in net profit every year I get that, and I use it, but it still feels awkward to me.