Responding to the Left
The Dems in their divine wisdom compiled a short list of legislative items to soothe the party faithful. They reminded us every day how brilliant and wonderful it is. I even complained at some forums where everything was defined as left or right, conservative or liberal or less polite adjectives or expressions. Not that I was defending left or right, but I was merely trying to convey my opinion that such descriptions distract from the debate. I emphatically expressed my dislike for such things in proposing arguments pro and con on the issues.
But this is absolutely nuts How am I going to maintain my reluctance to participate in purely partisan name calling if those who describe themselves as “from the left” will offer such ridiculous arguments for their positions. The only part I failed to mention in posting comments to this SDSU commentary was about the author’s business appraisal. Donni Anderson, who is credited for the piece, can’t understand the criticism that minimum wage will hurt small business since a tax break for small business was included. It wasn’t in the original bill, it was added later in order for the bill to pass. And Donni, where do you suppose the financial burden is shifting to if a tax break offsets the minimum wage increase? This is more proof that our institutions of higher learning are not making the grade. My posted comments to the article follow with an excerpt and link to the article post.
The American dream is not a guarantee. Minimum wage was not designed to provide an adequate living for a single mother of two. Minimum wage as pay for suburban teenagers is more to the point. Minimum wage is exactly what it is called; a minimum wage. The misconception is anyone thinking it is supposed to provide a long term living. It is what is available and should not be a substitute for acquiring sufficient skills to earn a reasonable living.
Since your feature title is “from the left”, it was Bill Clinton who informed us during his administration that real wages have been declining for a long time, not just the last five years.
Since you are in South Dakota, you might want to consider analyzing credit card company interest rates, state government’s and usury law. Maybe add to that the hiring practices of Cargill in several communities in South Dakota.
PBS credit card story
US News, ..a tussle over immigration….
Update: My comments are not yet posted at the link below.
Must not have passed muster yet
Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
From the Left: Minimum Wage
The Issue: Raising the minimum wage may affect small businesses
Donni Anderson
The fundamental tenet of the American Dream is the promise that in our country, when people are willing to work hard, they are able to afford a living for themselves and their families.
The present minimum wage of $5.15 per hour for a full-time worker yields an annual income of just $10,712 a year-far below what it takes for a single mother of two children to earn a living.
Trackposted to Pirate’s Cove, Cao’s Blog, High Desert Wanderer, basil’s blog, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.