Not sure why that freaks people out.

I guess all those just fall under Maga now.

What's a cooker? I need to get hip to the lingo.

Thank you. It will be awhile. I'm currently in school to get my Masters in Secondary Education. Australia is one of the many places I hope to live for 3 to 4 years.

Yes, Australia, not Missouri.

That's why I'm moving there.

I would have guessed it was the 'something touched me!' reaction.

For the most part they survive on tips due to the social contract here. If you can't afford to leave a tip don't eat out or get carry-out. That's the unwritten rule the majority follow. I agree that it's a horrible system.

The custom comes from what was left over from slavery. Now it exists because certain jobs are deemed tip jobs and they're paid very low. Less than the federal minimum wage. Which is already extremely low.