This is the ART of self-delusion that serves no one. We are never served by taking a one-sided view to issues. Its important for everyone to recognize there are legitimate issues and concerns to both sides of most public policy discussions. And when it comes to Minimum Wage, it is a false argument to say that the charge against those wanting a raise is greed. Thats not the point people are making. It is also a false claim to suggest that those who oppose a minimum wage increase are themselves well to do While that may be the case in some circumstances -- it is often the small shop keeper that pays a minimum wage. And inbetween, there are legitimate concerns about keeping small businesses from being forced out of business -- of small businesses being able to train young kids looking for their first job, and first income. And there are legitimate concerns about those who work full-time but only make minimum wage. But lets also recognize -- that there are existing govt programs that go toward heads of households that make little money; Medicaid, the Earned Income Tax Credit [ which is a cash transfer to low-wage workers if they apply for it], housing subsidies, Food Stamps. And there is another issue that will become more and more of an issue in the near future --- technology is going to eliminate low-skill jobs. We see grocery clerks being eliminated by automatic scanners, bank tellers by ATM machines, the list goes on and on. And as we mandate a higher minimum wage for low-skilled jobs [high skill doesnt pay a minimum], the cost benefit of replacing workers with technology becomes an easier decision. So when we look at a cartoon as above, and think that it expresses our view of the issue -- we merely deceive OURSELVES by adopting the mentality of a cartoon, as if public policy was simply a question between good and evil, or rich and poor. That is virtually always a false choice.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 15:21:57 +0000
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