IT doesn't matter if minimum wage shouldn't be expected to be long-term. The reality is that many folks basically work minimum wage or slightly above for large

IT doesn't matter if minimum wage shouldn't be expected to be long-term. The reality is that many folks basically work minimum wage or slightly above for large chunks of their life. And some folks are happy in these jobs. Some of these minimum wage jobs even require degrees. Preschool teachers, for example, often pay minimum wage or just above it - but this somehow shouldn't be a career choice. Many other jobs pay just a little above this - which, realistically, is what you'd get working late at a burger place. They get paid more than preschool teachers many times. There is a limit to the ability to relocate with these jobs as it costs money: Same for learning new skills. Denying folks a living wage when you know that low-paying jobs is reality for a large band of people (regardless of what you think it should be) is just cruel. The world "isn't a charity" because folks look down on folks.