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OmahaBlueDog

(10,000 posts)
Thu Oct 3, 2013, 03:45 PM Oct 2013

The Soda Machine - A Budget Shutdown Allegory

"So, Imagine that the company you work for held a poll, and asked everyone if they thought it would be a good idea to put a soda machine in the break room. The poll came back, and the majority of your colleagues said "Yes", indicating that they would like a soda machine. Some said no, but the majority said yes. So, a week later, there's a soda machine.

Now imagine that Bill in accounting voted against the soda machine. He has a strong hatred for caffeinated soft drinks, thinks they are bad you you, whatever. He campaigns throughout the office to get the machine removed. Well, management decides "OK, we'll ask again" and again, the majority of people say "Yes, lets keep the soda machine." Bill continues to campaign, and management continues to ask the employees, and every time, the answer is in favor of the soda machine.

This happens, lets say... 35 times.

Eventually, Bill says "OK, I'M NOT PROCESSING PAYROLL ANYMORE UNTIL THE SODA MACHINE IS REMOVED", so nobody will get paid unless management removes the machine. What should we do???

Answer: Fire Bill and get someone who will do the f***ing job.

Bonus: Bill tells everyone that he was willing to "Negotiate", to come to a solution where everyone got their payroll checks, but only so long as that negotiation capitulated to his demand to remove the soda machine.

Bill is a f***ing jackass."

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The Soda Machine - A Budget Shutdown Allegory (Original Post) OmahaBlueDog Oct 2013 OP
Pretty cool. Is that an original? Tommy_Carcetti Oct 2013 #1
I only wish I'd written it OmahaBlueDog Oct 2013 #2
Actually, Colorado Springs mrpoto Oct 2013 #6
Welcome mrproto maddezmom Oct 2013 #7
Welcome to DU OmahaBlueDog Oct 2013 #8
Great analogy. R&K nt longship Oct 2013 #3
As a compromise, Bill thinks when you buy a soda it will not be delivered for one year. Make7 Oct 2013 #4
Bill also keeps telling people that I'll be forced to buy soda from the machine OmahaBlueDog Oct 2013 #5

OmahaBlueDog

(10,000 posts)
2. I only wish I'd written it
Thu Oct 3, 2013, 03:47 PM
Oct 2013

It came to me from a friend of a friend on Facebook. It originated with a gentleman in Cleveland, I'm told.

Make7

(8,543 posts)
4. As a compromise, Bill thinks when you buy a soda it will not be delivered for one year.
Thu Oct 3, 2013, 04:11 PM
Oct 2013

Why won't you compromise? He's giving you something by still allowing the soda machine in the first place!

OmahaBlueDog

(10,000 posts)
5. Bill also keeps telling people that I'll be forced to buy soda from the machine
Thu Oct 3, 2013, 04:18 PM
Oct 2013

..even if I already buy my soda at the convenience store, or if my wife packs soda for me to take.

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