Stop Raising The Minimum Wage & Stop Whining

Since starting this thread I said " Stop raising minimum wage and quit whining. Now I've read the whole thread and have learned quite a bit about minimum wage. I know it's different for each state and there are so many assistant program's out there to help you out. I know there are different situations for different people, some good, some very bad. I know it's different in other countries besides the United States. I read alot of testimonies where members here have worked minimum wage pay including me and made it up the ladder to a higher paying job. Some had help and some didn't, but all in all they didn't whine about it, they just did what they had to do. Some people prefer to stay minimum wage so they can get all the other benefits of food stamps, tenncare, and money to pay the bills. The government has trained them to be Dependant on them and not on yourself. I know this because I know friends and other's I've met through the years that do this and have told me. I also know there are good people out there on welfare that don't abuse the system and are at least trying to do better and I hope and wish them the best.

I could go on with the arguments made by the members here but I've read every page and so should others. I still stand by " Stop raising the minimum wage and quit whining. Most minimum wage workers are under the age of 25 and inexperienced labor. With due time they will be experienced and should move on up. Minimum wage is hurting other people who are just beyond that wage and even their self worked minimum wage. Imagine working minimum wage for a few years and you've got a raise here and there and the next thing you know, there's new minimum wage workers making just as much as you without the extra years of working to get there. Most people make more than minimum wage after the first year of employment and they have now experience and hopefully a good attendance. That first job you get and what you do while your there can set you on a path to success or to failure. It's up to the worker.

I feel that minimum wage hikes create less jobs for young workers because a business will simply adjust to less workers working for them. And there are other problems we need to fix before raising minimum wages. I'm tired of the government sticking a gun to your head and telling us what we need to do. Minimum wage was created to stop the slave & sweat shops that were running wild back then, but it wasn't made to cover your every need. Employers should be allowed to pay a worker what they think they are worth by meeting them, going over the application and by attitude and character. The government doesn't even know the employee but yet they know what's best. People talk about freedom but want the government to help them out. To me that's not freedom at all. People do need to quit whining and asking for more and do something themselves to make it better. Minimum wage hikes are not the answer to the bigger problems we're having here in the U.S. Thanks so much for all your opinions and heart felt testimonies. Every post was a good one and we are able to agree to disagree in a discussion.

Never mind. The ignorance displayed here is not worth commenting on.



Edit to remove my own post.

[edit on 27-7-2008 by Excitable_Boy]

reply to post by Excitable_Boy


You got a star for not even trying to deny ignorance?, now that's ignorance and so is raising the minimum wage when there are other problems to fix. The government loves to stack problems upon problems and they always try to fix the wrong ones. Raising the minimum wage is like you getting a star for saying nothing.

reply to post by Krieger


I've actually done both of those jobs when I was younger, and I made quite a bit more than minimum wage, so your fallacious argument fails.

Feel free to try again when you can back up your absurdity with factual evidence.

You can buy ammo at Walmart, and they start their employees at more than minimum wage.

Originally posted by Krieger

Before you say "You could hunt or fish or stuff!" Um, yeah, if I shot at an animal it would be a raccoon or a opossum and if I missed, or heck if I hit and the bullet went through, I'd kill someone in another house/apartment.

WTF you doing hunting around houses and apartments anyways?

You get all camo'ed up and go hunting in the suburbs or what?


So Slackwire, what will you do? Just rob places for stuff since we got rid of all minimum wage workers so no one left to stock shelves or work cash register machines?


I am still laughing @ Sw's response to your OP there.

Classic

OK (still laughing but moving back to the topic)... Note the difference between Slackwire and you, because that is what makes all the difference in getting what you want WITHOUT relying on others.

Robbing is still relying. Quit asking HIM what to do. Here's an exercise for you:

1. Put your hand on top of your head
2. Note the hard shell just beneath the surface of your skin

Know what is under that hard surface? It is a lump of mass we here in a place called reality call a B-R-A-I-N!! It is not just a useless lump of mass, this brain.

Some of us figured out that it can be productive for what is commonly referred to as T-H-O-U-G-H-T-S. The amazing thing that seperates those that CAN and those that DO, is that we have *further* figured out how to "form our own thoughts" . I KNOW AMAZING stuff this brain!!

Stop asking mindless questions and start figuring out how to get things done for yourself. The only one who is counteractive to your pursuit for happiness is *gasps* YOU!

Your excuses are becoming more and more feeble and are falling flat.

[edit on 27-7-2008 by justamomma]

reply to post by ALightinDarkness


Inflation at 3% is what you read on CNN while essentially moving some words around and posting the same bs here on ATS.

To the OP, I am trying very hard to keep my composure. I find it rather difficult to do right now. Let me tell you a bit about my world. I *tried* to go to college, in fact I did as long as I could afford to do so. The state told me that my parents made too much money for me to get a grant, yet I was over 18 working as a waitress completely independent of my parents. They didn't help but their income was still considered.
I work very hard and I struggle but I get by. Thanks to a few leftover loans I managed to get for my time in college, even though time has passed and I paid off most of my loans with my minimum wage job, (5.00 an hour at that time thank you very much), I cannot receive further help going to school today.
Now we have my son, since the age of 13 (he is now 14) the state here has considered him a genius and they want him to take a college entrance exam. We can't afford college for him at this point.
So basically it seems to me that some folks are not good enough to have a family simply because they
#1 don't have the proper education
#2 can't afford the proper education or
#3 are not smart enough to learn a trade.
I beg to differ. I am a darn good mom who wishes I could give my kids the world, but because of this pathetic excuse for a government I can barely feed them lunch let alone supper, and I refuse to rely on food stamps.
Bottom line, I work for what I have and I dang well work for what I will never have unless I make it as a writer. Just some input from a loser minimum wage earner. Also I haven't read this thread in its entirety like I normally do because I think it is a waste of time. Would love to stay and chat but I have to work a double.

[edit on 27-7-2008 by proof_tracey]

reply to post by proof_tracey


uhm, have you read through this thread? Nobody is calling MW earners losers (or at least that is not what I have seen).

The losers are the ones who are continuing to complain about the MW when they have every opportunity to make their life what they want it to be w/out relying on the gov't to do the work for them.

Bravo!! You are a MW worker. Just so long as you are not blaming ANYONE else for where you are and realize that you are there because of the choices you made.

The point of this thread is that the MW earners have the same opportunities as the rest of us to better their situation w/out relying on the gov't to do it for them.

Hell, noone's complaining that there are hamburger flippers, toilet cleaners, or other jobs that require little thought and contribution other than being told what to do..... but don't be expecting to earn more than you are contributing. Not every job is worthy of the same amount of earnings. You are not entitled to be handed happiness and comforts JUST bc you live in America. That is all.



[edit on 27-7-2008 by justamomma]

reply to post by proof_tracey


As the above poster already said, your arguing with a straw man. No one is disparaging anyone who earns minimum wage. In fact, those against it want to help those on minimum wage make more money.

Since you offered your own personal story, I have to ask - why is it you didn't apply for scholarships? If you work hard, you can go to any university for free. "Need-based" grants are hard to get because people don't have to work for them. Merit based are harder to get, but if you work for them you can go to college for free.

FAFSA considers everyone under 22 that is not married or does not have a child as a dependent of their parents for need-based aid. This is to stop people from cheating to get free money. It hurts people like me and you though - I was independent at 18 and my parents also did not help - even though their income had to be considered. You simply have to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and apply for merit-based aid. Its harder to get, and you have to work for it, but it can be done. I went to college (and graduate school) for free because of it.

There is no #2 by the way - everyone can afford it, if they work for it. The government is not responsible for ensuring that you have a lifestyle that you like, nor ensuring you get paid an amount you desire.

[edit on 27-7-2008 by ALightinDarkness]

reply to post by Rockpuck


Inflation at 3-5% is what the data says. CNN is hysterically telling me inflation is at 20% and we should prepare for the depression. Thank goodness I looked at the data to figure out they were fear mongering - little wonder they never have anyone with a PhD in economics ever come on to support them . Remember, just because prices go up on something doesn't mean its inflation...

[edit on 27-7-2008 by ALightinDarkness]

Originally posted by proof_tracey


I beg to differ. I am a darn good mom who wishes I could give my kids the world, but because of this pathetic excuse for a government I can barely feed them lunch let alone supper, and I refuse to rely on food stamps.

How is the government preventing you from earning more than minimum wage?

You know only a small percentage of writers actually make a living doing it dont you?

Just want to say that I agree with every compassionate poster who has made their voice heard, and care more about people than the almighty buck.

Originally posted by Night Star
Just want to say that I agree with every compassionate poster who has made their voice heard, and care more about people than the almighty buck.

excuse me while I go puke

reply to post by Night Star


I just want to say I disagree with every poster here who wants to be compassionate with everyone elses money.

Much like your morals, your compassion should be kept to yourself.

i recently had a discussion with my bboss about raises,as it's about that time(we get reviews every six months). he said that because minimum wage is so high,those of us who make over minimum won't be getting very big raises.

my point of view on thisis,i have been with my employer for 3 years now, and new employees start off making only 50 cents less/hour than i'm making. Is this fair? i don't think so. i think that as a faithful employee who is in line for a supervisor postion,who is capable of running the store,and does on a regular basis,i should make a wage that reflects what i do for the company.

i would love to go back to school and get a degree so i can get out of the type of work that i do,but with 4 kids,it isn't feasible right now,as we need both mine and my partners income to make it.

i'm not saying don't increase minimum wage,because there are people worse off than i am that need it. there really is no soluton,the bottom line is profits,and if that means making the working class indentured servants,then i suppose i should stop complaing and work harder to make my kids lives as good as i can.

i'm not asking for handouts,or pity, i had these kids and i'll raise them,i'll work in my crappy job for my crappy wage, until i can find a way to get a better job(not that i haven't tried,believe me).the sad truth is,in the area i live in,housing costs are outrageous,and most times we're paying a lot of money for run-down apartments/houses,with greedy landlords who refuse to fix things. we live c to c, barely making it,then have to listen to people telling us that we should do something to better ourselves,and our positions, blah blah blah. i have to work nights,while my partner works days, because we can't afford daycare. considering the fact that the daycres in my area charge minimum $6/hour,and i only make $8.50/hr,it wouldn't even be worth it for me to work.

so it's all a matter of perspective,as is most things. if you live somewhere where the cost of living is high, making little more than minimum does'nt really help.but if you live somewhere where housing and living expenses are not so high,you probably get along a lot better.

either way in this economy,the working class will always come out the losers.

Originally posted by slackerwire

Originally posted by proof_tracey


I beg to differ. I am a darn good mom who wishes I could give my kids the world, but because of this pathetic excuse for a government I can barely feed them lunch let alone supper, and I refuse to rely on food stamps.

How is the government preventing you from earning more than minimum wage?

You know only a small percentage of writers actually make a living doing it dont you?

The writing I do is volunteer. It's a thankless job but it gets me out there and noticed. I work a regular job as well. That doesn't mean I plan on giving up my dream as I am three chapters away from finishing a book. I know several people that are already published that are willing to help point me in the right direction, but I don't count on that at all.. it's just a dream I would like to achieve.

Tired don't feel like quoting who asked what.

How is the government preventing me from earning more than minimum wage? I've no idea, as I'm not the government. The only jobs I am qualified to do are crap pay jobs... *minimum pay set by the government*

I am *not* where I am today because of choices I made, I am here because of bad luck, not enough knowledge and no strong support base at the time. Sorry if it sounds whiny but that's the way I feel and what I have experienced.
A young girl at the time trying to figure out which way is up with no one to give me advice or point me in the right direction so to speak. The words 'loser job' I used because that's how I felt when I read the original post; like I just didn't matter. It doesn't feel good knowing I can't do something in life that truly makes a difference in others' lives. I am one who wants to help others but I can't do that very well with what I make.

I worked in college in one of the offices to offset the cost, it wasn't enough and it certainly didn't make my college expenses free... many years ago anyhow.
Scholarship? The ones I was aware of at the time required I have some kind of above average smarts, or play a sport (not that my school had sports, just generally speaking). I didn't play sports and I didn't have above average smarts; just an average person who sucked royally at math but aced literature. Math was a big requirement for computer programming which is what I was going for. Beyond that I don't know, wish I had.
Merit erm thingys (sorry it's like 4 am at this point) may have helped, as long as I didn't have left over loans from my old school.. that is what I have been told when I tried to go back. It took me years to pay off most of what I owed, and by that time I simply gave up.

Yes that was the situation with me here, until age 21 or 22 my parent's incomes were considered. I didn't even live with them.

Yes I live in a very expensive state. Rent alone kicks my butt. I'd rather pay to live in a better area where my 2 sons don't have to worry about walking to the bus stop without getting a bullet in their heads.

Finally to whom asked, no I haven't read the whole thread, I saw this thread in the news letter I get in my email so I clicked on it, read the original post and added my two cents.

I don't think the minimum wage is keeping up with the cost of living (at least not here).

I do want to move to a cheaper state, can't afford to do that right now.

As far as being a paid writer that would rock but I am realistic, I know that may never happen. That's why I keep my day job. :-)

I'm sorry for posting my thoughts or if I sound like a meanie.

edited to clarify a bit




[edit on 28-7-2008 by proof_tracey]

[edit on 28-7-2008 by proof_tracey]

reply to post by Rockpuck


Nah I don't think so, the mass media is definitely behind you guys on pumping up hysteria over inflation. But hey, good news for the doom and gloomers! Now that the minimum wage has gone up, so will inflation! Now you guys can celebrate that inflation is going higher and use it to further the "the end is nigh" narrative!

Originally posted by proof_tracey
How is the government preventing me from earning more than minimum wage? I've no idea, as I'm not the government. The only jobs I am qualified to do are crap pay jobs... *minimum pay set by the government*

And why is it the government's responsibility to ensure that you make more than what you are qualified for?

Originally posted by proof_tracey
I am *not* where I am today because of choices I made, I am here because of bad luck, not enough knowledge and no strong support base at the time. Sorry if it sounds whiny but that's the way I feel and what I have experienced.

This could be, but you would be in the extreme minority. Almost everyone is where they are due directly to the good or bad decisions they made. A few get hit with bad luck, but its definitely not the norm. We have no real way of knowing.

Originally posted by proof_tracey
A young girl at the time trying to figure out which way is up with no one to give me advice or point me in the right direction so to speak. The words 'loser job' I used because that's how I felt when I read the original post; like I just didn't matter. It doesn't feel good knowing I can't do something in life that truly makes a difference in others' lives. I am one who wants to help others but I can't do that very well with what I make.

And so you want to force the government to pay you more so you can do what you want? I know lots of people who help others on a dime. It doesn't take extraordinary amounts of money to help people. Volunteer at a charity, its free. Share what you can spare with those who have less. None of this requires vast amounts of money. If you are truly interested in simply helping others, then pay should be the least of your concerns.

Originally posted by proof_tracey
I worked in college in one of the offices to offset the cost, it wasn't enough and it certainly didn't make my college expenses free... many years ago anyhow.
Scholarship? The ones I was aware of at the time required I have some kind of above average smarts, or play a sport (not that my school had sports, just generally speaking). I didn't play sports and I didn't have above average smarts; just an average person who sucked royally at math but aced literature. Math was a big requirement for computer programming which is what I was going for. Beyond that I don't know, wish I had.

Unless you went to college a long, long time ago (greater than 40 years), there have been merit based scholarships available to those who want to work hard. If you are in an area where you cannot excel enough to get the scholarship, would this not be a sign that its time to switch to something else where you can excel and get a scholarship?

Originally posted by proof_tracey
Community colleges may be free, as long as I didn't have left over loans from my old school.. that is what I have been told when I tried to go back. It took me years to pay off most of what I owed, and by that time I simply gave up.

Of course, you could have gotten a loan forbearance and then defer your loans while you went back to school.

Originally posted by proof_tracey
Yes I live in a very expensive state. Rent alone kicks my butt. I'd rather pay to live in a better area where my 2 sons don't have to worry about walking to the bus stop without getting a bullet in their heads.

That is a life decision, for which you are paying for. It is quite possible to live modestly in a safe area, if you choose to live in a more expensive side of town...then thats your decision. But the minimum wage was not invented to allow you to live in Beverly Hills.

Originally posted by proof_tracey
Do I think I have a right to say the minimum wage is not keeping up with the cost of living? I do and that's the way I feel.

The minimum wage is not meant to keep up with the cost of living. Never has been, never will be. As wrong as it is, its purpose is to provide a starting point. I really don't understand how that many people make it. I got a job that was at the time about $1.50 ABOVE minimum wage before I even graduated high school in retail. And it wasn't a rich retail area either.

damn, 6,55 an hour? That is a slave wage. You obviously dont have to get by on a mere 6,55 an hour. Do you know that a lot of people have no food because of this silly illegal war in Iraq? You dont feel that people need to get more than 6, 55 an hour? You must be Bush.
Kids make 6,55 an hour here. Your country is being dumped into the pockets of georgie bush and his merry band of thugs. Dont lose reality out of sight man! It is not the fault of them people on minimum wages. It is the fault of the fat elite...

Thanks for your brilliant input. I don't live in a neighborhod of bling. Quite middle class actually. The state is all round expensive unless one chooses to live in the projects. I choose not to. There is no gray area, either you pay to live in a safe area here or you pay to live in the projects. Like I said sorry for speaking my mind. Go ahead and have your say folks, I certainly have had mine, and I'll be damned if I make that mistake here again.
I can see it now, I will be absolutely put down for my thought process.. no point in me returning to this thread or this forum as my life sucks enough.
I should have remained as I have a long time now, just a reader versus a poster.