LA moves closer to banning cashless retail businesses.

Los Angeles is taking ⁤a significant step towards banning cashless retail businesses, as the LA City Council has ordered⁢ the preparation of a policy proposal to ensure that cash can always be used for in-person purchases.⁢ This move‍ deals a blow to⁢ the push for a cashless society. At a recent meeting, Councilwoman Heather Hutt presented a motion to prevent people in Los Angeles from being forced to go cashless. The motion,‍ supported by three other Councilmembers, highlights the fact that millions of‌ Americans do not have bank accounts and rely on cash for financial transactions. ⁢It also emphasizes the privacy concerns ‌associated ⁤with digital payments. Hutt argues that physical cash remains ‌the most accessible and ⁢anonymous medium of exchange in the country.

The motion‌ also points out the negative impacts of going‌ cashless, such as excluding young people who may not meet age requirements for credit cards and elderly individuals who have not‌ transitioned to​ digital payment methods. It highlights the importance of including everyone in the formal banking system and warns against excluding too many people by barring the⁣ use of cash as a payment method.

The Councilmembers voted unanimously in favor of⁢ Hutt’s proposal, putting Los Angeles on track to follow in the footsteps of San⁣ Francisco,​ which banned almost ​all⁤ cashless retail shops in 2019. The tension between advocates of keeping cash and those pushing for a cashless society has been ongoing. Cashless ‍advocates argue that​ eliminating ⁤cash reduces crime, as potential robbers are deterred by‍ the absence of cash on hand. ⁢However, ‌opponents of the cashless⁣ movement raise concerns about increased surveillance and the potential for a China-style⁢ social credit score system in the United States.

Lawrence Lee, a San Francisco restaurant owner, experienced a drop in crime when his establishment went cashless in 2017. However, he was forced to revert to accepting cash ‌in 2019. The ⁢COVID-19 pandemic also boosted ‌the cashless movement, ​with ​proponents arguing that it reduces​ physical contact and the risk of transmitting diseases. Nevertheless, critics argue that going cashless opens the door for more Big Tech and government surveillance.

Michael⁤ Wilkerson, a strategic advisor and author, warns that a coordinated attack on cash is underway, benefiting financial institutions and government agencies. He highlights the potential for governments to exert persuasive power over citizens through total surveillance of financial transactions. Wilkerson also points out​ the danger of social credit scores and the restriction of certain purchases based on political​ compliance.

Congressional lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation to protect the right to pay in cash for‍ in-person retail purchases. Representative Donald Payne Jr. emphasizes that every American ⁣should have the option to use cash, as millions ‌of people are unable to rely on credit cards or digital payments. Additionally, the importance ⁣of cash is evident during natural disasters when access to⁣ electricity may be limited.

Overall, the debate between cash and cashless transactions continues, with Los Angeles taking a significant step towards preserving the use of cash in retail businesses.

What are the potential implications of a shift towards a cashless society ​for the 8.4 million US households‌ that rely solely on cash‌ for⁤ financial transactions?

The footsteps⁣ of other cities that have implemented similar measures to protect the use⁣ of cash. ​San‌ Francisco and Philadelphia ⁣have already​ banned cashless retail businesses, arguing‍ that it is a form of discrimination against⁣ low-income individuals who may not have access​ to credit cards or digital payment methods.

The movement‌ towards a cashless‍ society has been gaining momentum in recent years, with the rise ​of mobile payment apps and ‌the convenience⁢ associated with digital transactions. However, it is important to ⁢consider the implications‍ of ‌this shift on society as ‍a whole. By going cashless, we risk excluding a significant portion of the population from⁢ participating fully in the economy.

It‌ is estimated ⁣that approximately 8.4 million‌ households in the ‍United‌ States do not have⁤ a bank ​account, and therefore rely‌ solely on cash for their financial transactions. These individuals may rely on cash for⁤ various reasons,‌ including ‌lack of trust in financial institutions or simply a preference for using ⁤physical currency. By eliminating cash as a payment option, we are effectively excluding these individuals from participating in the ⁣economy.

Furthermore, there are privacy concerns associated with digital payments. When using cash, ⁤transactions are anonymous and‌ do not leave a digital footprint. This⁢ level of privacy is⁣ important to many individuals who value their ‍financial independence and do⁤ not ⁣wish to have ‌their purchases tracked or ​monitored. By forcing people to go cashless, we are infringing upon their right to ⁤privacy.

Another important aspect to consider ​is the impact on​ younger and older generations. ​Many young people ⁢may not meet the ‌age requirements for⁤ credit cards and ⁤therefore rely ⁢on cash for their purchases. Similarly, elderly ⁣individuals may not be comfortable or familiar with digital payment⁤ methods⁢ and may prefer to use ⁢physical currency. By prohibiting the use of cash, we are effectively‌ excluding these ‌groups​ from participating in the economy and accessing goods and services.

In light ⁢of these concerns, ​it is commendable that Los Angeles ‍is taking steps to ensure‍ that cash can always be used for in-person purchases. By ordering the preparation of a ⁤policy proposal, ⁤the LA City Council is setting an important‌ precedent for other cities to follow.⁤ It is crucial that we‌ prioritize financial⁤ inclusivity​ and ensure that everyone,‍ regardless‍ of‌ their financial situation or ⁣personal preferences, has equal access to the economy.

While the convenience of ​digital‌ payments should‌ not ⁢be dismissed, we should not lose sight⁣ of the fact that ⁣cash remains‍ the ‌most accessible and anonymous medium of exchange in the country.​ Let us embrace‌ diversity in ⁤payment⁢ methods⁤ and work towards ​a society where everyone can fully participate in the⁤ economy, regardless of their preferences or circumstances.

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