Minimum Wage

[Indy Coug]

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[All-American]

I think Minimum Wage is an imperfect solution to a problem for which we do not have a better solution.

Ideally, people are paid what their worth. But in a perfect economic system, each employed human being would be making the greatest contribution possible to the economy-- and I don't believe that people are not capable of contributing more than 7.50 and hour.

Given that the economic system is not perfect, and we have not been able to figure out how to get everybody to contribute to the fullest extent, minimum wage is a good safety net to make sure people don't get screwed. I reluctantly accept it.

[ChinoCoug]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

http://www.cougarboard.com/noframes/...tml?id=2438595

http://www.cougarboard.com/noframes/...tml?id=2438325

http://www.cougarboard.com/noframes/...tml?id=2415181

Your analysis is dead-on target. I don't know if you're aware of economic studies on this. Most studies show that the minimum wage ha a negative effect on employment, but many economists support it anyway because it protects those who need the living wage.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

The government has to tell many businesses what to pay because otherwise, the imbalance in negotiating power would result in an entire class of workers being exploited.

Perhaps those workers should go into business for themselves.

The less government in the private sector, the better.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

If they had the kind of money (or credit)it takes to go into business for themselves, there wouldn't be an inequity of bargaining power with their prospective employers.

True.

However, there is ample opportunity in this country. The American Dream is alive and well, despite many who claim otherwise. All it takes is the desire to do what it takes.

[ChinoCoug]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

True.

However, there is ample opportunity in this country. The American Dream is alive and well, despite many who claim otherwise. All it takes is the desire to do what it takes.

I don't think this debate is gonna get anywhere if you keep talking in warm-fuzzy ideological mantras and CaliCoug is speaking at a different level of concreteness.

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by ChinoCoug

I don't think this debate is gonna get anywhere if you keep talking in warm-fuzzy ideological mantras and CaliCoug is speaking at a different level of concreteness.

Are you saying that what I say is untrue?

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

Yes, there are ample opportunities in this country. Yes, you are better off here than other countries in general.

That said, opportunities here are frequently more available depending on your race, sex and economic background. The government has done a lot to remedy the inequities in those areas, and the minimum wage is part of that process.

While I can agree with this, I don't accept it as a reason to not go to school and make a better life for anyone. It can be done.

Those willing to work for minimum wage only deserve the minimum wage and nothing more. Still, my original complaint is that I don't like the idea of the government telling me how much I would have to pay someone should I hire employees.

[ChinoCoug]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

Are you saying that what I say is untrue?

reality's a lot more complicated

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by ChinoCoug

reality's a lot more complicated

Reality is what you make it.