Proof that CEO's Thru-hike...
Here's a snip-it from an article on the cover of today's Wall Street Journal. Interesting to note that a CEO took a 5 months off to thru-hike.. (wish I could get that much time off)
In 1992, the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, published a book called "Patient Power" that offered the high-deductible plans as a counterproposal to President Clinton's proposal for universal health care. A few years later, Congress created something called the Archer Medical Savings Account, which certain small businesses could use in conjunction with a high-deductible health insurance plan.
"Patient Power" gave Whole Foods founder and CEO John Mackey, who considers himself a libertarian, the idea for how he might overhaul his company's health insurance. In 2002, he took a five-month sabbatical to hike the Appalachian Trail. At various stops during his amble northward from Georgia, a car would arrive at a designated stop where the trail crossed a road. Someone would restock him with food and hand over a laptop so he could catch up with e-mail.
At one stop, Mr. Mackey got the news that the Treasury Department had issued a new regulation that would make it easier for companies to adopt consumer-driven plans. The government had confirmed that health-cost-reimbursement accounts, like the one Whole Foods uses in conjunction with its health plan, would be shielded from taxes and that employees could carry the balance over from year to year. Unlike some medical savings plans, the one used by Whole Foods doesn't allow employees to add tax-free contributions to the company payments.
Spending a little extra money
Perhaps it is smart to spend a "little" extra money..but that little extra money is a LOT to some families. Not everyone can afford the luxury. Heck, I can just picture what would have happned if Mom had to buy organic carrots, beef, etc. growing up. :) Yowch!
And, that is what I am saying. My great-grandmother would WALK down to the grocery store that sold local produce that is now of the type sold in many of the Whole Food type stores. What was common place up until post World War Two is now a luxury item that many families can't afford.
I agree; it is good to support the farmers who sell this produce. And, the food is of much higher quality. But not everyone can afford this better quality (but expensive) food.
