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This is true, but people who argue for it most vocally refuse to acknowledge the fact that it’s not economically feasible to reward the lowest paid people with
by qzx_pierri 7y ago
This is true, but people who argue for it most vocally refuse to acknowledge the fact that it’s not economically feasible to reward the lowest paid people with a MUCH MORE than comfortable lifestyle. The minimum wage is for two things: To prevent the exploitation of workers at a certain level, and to allow workers to support themselves.
Some people also fail to realize that there will always be poor people. The only thing we can do is change the way we treat them. I support raising the minimum wage, but not as much as some. If there are really no other jobs, that’s what government assistance programs are for.
Mind you, I grew up dirt poor in the midwest. I’m now on my way to earning six figures by taking advantage of those aforementioned government programs.
Also: Some people are satisfied being poor. If they really wanted to get out, they would. I did. Those who argue that you can’t raise a family on minimum wage: You shouldn’t keep having kids if you don’t have a decent job. Of course uneducated people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds refuse to follow this rule, and this is why poverty is often generational.
- babesh 7y agoThe implication is that minorities that have been historically discriminated against and are disproportionately poor will have fewer kids. This is a bad idea that people have 'tried' in the past and is ripe for abuse.
- majormajor 7y ago"Some people also fail to realize that there will always be poor people" and "If they really wanted to get out, they would. I did" are interesting beliefs to share at the same time. The connecting thread is "some people are satisfied being poor" but it's pretty tenuous. If those people stopped being satisfied, what happens?
- EricE 7y ago>If those people stopped being satisfied, what happens? Do what grandparents on both sides of my family did - work hard as hell and provide more for your kids than you had. Not waiting around for the roast duck to magically fly into your mouth on it's own...
- krnlpnc 7y agoMinimum wage works out to about $2500/mo before taxes where I live. That’s not enough to pay for rent, utilities, food and incidentals. Not to mention insurance(s). Not to mention a car if your commute requires it. Not to mention family/dependents. Not to mention emergency savings. Not to mention retirement. The list goes on. It’s not about a “much more than comfortable lifestyle”. It’s about establishing a baseline where full time work pays enough to live without government subsidy and/or crippling debt. And addressing the stigma that surrounds minimum wage jobs.
- aianus 7y agoThat’s nuts, I lived a luxurious life in college on less than that. It’s certainly enough money for a room and food and a car and savings left over in nearly every US municipality.
- Sohcahtoa82 7y agoIn what year?
- usepgp 7y agoI did as well (in massachusetts in 2016)
- krnlpnc 7y agoWith all respect to your experience, comparing a college roommate situation to a FTE earning minimum wage is a bit apples to oranges IMO. Students are eligible for many benefits including health care, and have a finite period of time (typically in their youth) until graduation. Whereas a minimum wage worker may be living on this amount with marginal raises for their whole life. Think about having a marriage and kids all while living in your college room indefinitely.
- usepgp 7y agoI rented a house, and didn't have roommates? I mean, it was in the shithole that is worcester, but its not impossible.
- someone7x 7y ago"Some people also fail to realize that there will always be poor people." Replace "poor people" with heretics and you sound as self-rationalizing as an inquisitor.