what i've beenup2
andy - (chiefjr)
lives in metro east > Illinois > United States
About chiefjr
This user has not written anything about themselves.
Things chiefjr said
chiefjr:
I don't have a lot of money either, and pretty much grew up that way. I had to pay, and am still paying for my education. In fact I went to school at night and worked during the day. Community service was not a requirement of my degree, but it would be good if it was across the board. I am not trying to come off angry or all bent up either. I do have convictions on why i vote the way i do and I will give you some reasons why I chose McCain, but not tonight. It's bedtime. I guess at this point it's easier to respond with why I don't choose Obama. It does seem as though i targeted your response, which was probably not the best approach. As with everything, we are continually learning. We have to our homework, and understand who we endorse with our vote. We also have to act on our convictions. I think you said earlier that you welcomed this because it challeges us to think critically. I agree. I was challanged to revisit living wage tonight. Thank you. This same topic drew several debates in my economics classes and is really a noble idea. I'm just not sold it's the right thing to do, or that it truly benefits those who need it the most. Until tomorrow. Good Night.
to katrina
at 09:25PM 09/15/08
to katrina
at 09:25PM 09/15/08
chiefjr:
Regarding gun makers liability in killing: All I can say to that one is wow. Tell me this, after that where would it stop. What about the parents of a boy who hung himself suing the rope manufacturer? Or how about a lawsuit to an auto manufacturer for making the vehicle that someone decided to run over somebody else with? Better yet, how about Lorena Bobbit’s husband suing the kitchen knife manufacturer after she sliced and diced his you know what? To say that the manufacturer of a weapon (gun, knife, car, spear, sword) is liable for pulling the trigger is absolutely ludicrous. I know it’s a bumper sticker, but guess what. Guns don’t kill people. People kill people. Let’s try to end frivolous lawsuits rather than encourage them. Yes there needs to be something done to get guns off of the streets in our neighborhoods and cities, but restitution after the fact by the manufacture will accomplish what? There are a ton of things we could be doing to help this cause, but suing the manufacture will not combat the problem. Until we reach the heart of the criminal, we can not truly end crime.
Since when is the goal of community service to be rewarded? Doesn’t that go against the very nature of community service? There are some things that shouldn’t be tied to incentives and freely giving of time to serve your neighbor at a soup kitchen or children’s home shouldn’t be one of those. I think young people should roll up there sleeves and help out in their community. In fact, I think it’s such a great idea that it should be a condition of graduation rather than a means to pay for tuition.
to katrina
at 08:48PM 09/15/08
Since when is the goal of community service to be rewarded? Doesn’t that go against the very nature of community service? There are some things that shouldn’t be tied to incentives and freely giving of time to serve your neighbor at a soup kitchen or children’s home shouldn’t be one of those. I think young people should roll up there sleeves and help out in their community. In fact, I think it’s such a great idea that it should be a condition of graduation rather than a means to pay for tuition.
to katrina
at 08:48PM 09/15/08
chiefjr:
Living wage: It’s an ideal that is very noble and affable. In theory alone it sounds like a revelation and a cure all. But is it? It’s also a very interesting conversation topic too. It got me thinking about the following: Point Number 1 – To what standard of living is it supposed to represent, and who determines necessities of life? I’m thinking it would be very hard to establish this benchmark. Perhaps sliding scales based on city cost indices relative to ever changing market conditions. Sounds like a very complex and difficult system to chart and maintain over time. I’m also thinking that once in place it would become the baseline wage scale for all jobs, trades, etc., even though it’s clearly not a minimum wage. Point number 2- Currently some “experts” say that the real underlying issue with our economy right now is inflation. So then, let’s just pretend that the living wage is implemented at the federal level. What does that do to prices for goods and services we buy everyday? Doesn’t it increase? Aren’t we just fueling inflation? Point Number 2.1 - If the living wage is implemented does someone flipping burgers or sweeping floors at McDonald’s make enough to support him/her self? If so, then how much more money is to be paid to other blue collar type trades, say painters, carpenters, etc or every other job for that matter? It seams to me that there would be an influx of costs for labor across the board therefore increasing costs of goods ultimately negating any real benefit for wage increases. If the living wage is implemented, but still represents the lowest value for least skilled labor are they really above the new poverty line? If not, do they still receive government assistance? Point Number 2.2 – I imagine that the living wage is really meant to assist those currently at or slightly above the minimum wage. If we implement it does it really help those people out? Not according to the employment policy institute. (http://www.epionline.org/studies/turner_01-2003.pdf ). This is a long, detailed read but based purely on analytical research. I found it pretty insightful. It basically contrast living wage vs. earned income tax benefit. Point 3 – Living wage goes against the basic economic principle of supply and demand. Some argue that setting a mandated minimum price for labor would be detrimental to the lower income workers. They say that setting a baseline wage higher than the market demand for a specific wage would actually cause a decrease in the demand for labor leading to dead weight loss and unemployment. This is not an easily understood concept, but definitely has merit. Point 4 - A few years back this same topic was out in the forefront, and our leaders at that time determined that an earned income tax credit (EITC) benefited the population slightly above, at, or below the poverty level more than implementation of a living wage. Just so everyone knows EITC’s are not a new thing either. Earned income tax credits were first implemented in 1975. Short Summary: Poverty is a real issue in our country. There are those among us that are struggling. Is a true living wage policy at the federal level the answer? I’m not sold on it.
to katrina
at 07:59PM 09/15/08
to katrina
at 07:59PM 09/15/08
Nobody has said anything to chiefjr.
Information
About Us
Our Blog
Advertise on BeenUp2
© 2007-2008 BeenUp2 LLC
All rights Reserved
About Us
Our Blog
Advertise on BeenUp2
© 2007-2008 BeenUp2 LLC
All rights Reserved