Home Slice said "I’m sorry but the bottom line for me is I have to do what I can to survive. I get X amount of dollars on my small seniors pension cheque every month and I can tell you exactly where it goes to the last cent. You won’t know what I’m talking about until you try to live off just a CPP and OAS cheque. So I will continue to look for where my few dollars can supply me with the best chance at survival and I know I’m not alone in this category. I don’t care about any other factors that people have mentioned here. "
I am sympathetic to everyone who's struggling. We are all doing our best with limited resources, my household i:ncluded. When pasta was jumping 10-20 cents every time I went to the store, my heart felt so heavy. That's such a staple for so many people, including mine.
Contrary to popular belief, most non-retired people can't just magically produce more income either. Lots of people don't have the time, energy or ability to get a second or third job. Parents are literally skipping meals just to make sure their kids get enough. I'm watching people burning out just trying to get by.
The reality is, however, is unless we all starting caring about those "other factors", nothing will change. Nothing will improve for anyone in any generation or walk or life. I realize that's hard to prioritize when you're struggling to survive, but working towards a most just society means striving for a community where no one has to struggle to survive. It means, as a bare minimum, understanding the underlying issues so you can make informed choices.
Sometimes that means you'll make the same choice anyway. That's the reality. But understanding the factors that drove you to that choice is the first step to having the ability to make different choices when you are able. Or to empower someone else to make a different choice. Or at the very least, not to deprive someone else of the ability to make their own choices.