Minimum Wage for the Extremely Rich
The U. S. Senate just nixed raising the minimum wage, which hasn't been raised in nine years. Why? Because the Republican-sponsored bill would also give a huge tax break to the wealthiest 7,500 American families.
The bill, which essentially originated in the U. S. House of Representatives, was designed as a "win-win" situation for House Republicans. If the bill passed the Senate, the wealthiest Americans would get a huge tax break (meaning more financial support for Republican candidates). If the bill failed, the Republicans could blame the Democrats for voting against raising the minimum wage, even though the Democrats have been pushing for a raise for years.
I'm not a big fan or a member of either major party. In my personal view, the Democratic Party has become the Weak Party, and the Republican Party has become the Greed Party. Neither one is a great option. But the Republican leadership has become increasing out of touch with most of America, more so even than the Democrats. Do they really think the American people are so stupid as to not see what they're up to? I hope not. Taking inflation into account, the minimum wage is the lowest it's been in 50 years. And it's not the super rich who are suffering because of that.
For more, see "Senate blocks minimum wage hike," which was posted a little over an hour ago at this writing, at http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060804/ts_nm/congress_wage_taxes_dc
Comments
Poo-pooed on them, though, didn't it?
Posted by: Pope Fay | August 4, 2006 08:31 AM
Pope Fay--the ultimate test of the effect of this and other efforts will be held in America on Tuesday, November 7, 2006, when the U.S.A. has its next national election.
Posted by: Alden Loveshade | August 5, 2006 04:04 AM
Not raising the minimum wage for nine years is ridiculous! How are people supposed to make a living? When I babysit four kids at a time which I do a lot during the school year I make $7 per hour. All I have to do with the money I make is buy my clothes and pay some of my expenses I don't even have to pay rent. I just graduated from high school so don't think it's cuz I'm a bum! lol But I really have to save and watch my spending to get what I need. So what is somebody going to do who is making $5.15 an hour minimum wage and has to support a family?
Posted by: Lorien Loveshade | August 5, 2006 06:19 AM