So, I've been listening to and reading the arguments, both pro and con about raising the minimum wage, and have decided that we are looking at the wrong issue. Since the 1960s we have been spending vast amounts of money to bring people out of poverty and our poverty rate, today, is higher than ever! So, I ask, is that approach working? It doesn't look like it to me.
In all my years, and there have been a lot of them, I have never seen minimum wage succeed in raising people out of poverty. It seems that whenever minimum wage is raised so is the price of staples like milk, eggs, bread, gas, etc.; no one ever gets ahead. So, let's look at this a different way.
Instead of raising the minimum wage to raise people out of poverty why don't we encourage people to get the education and training they need to work at a job that will pay them a living wage? Having a good job can be a means for elevating oneself out of poverty. How does one get a good job? By having a strong work ethic and having the necessary skills to perform the tasks of the job. How does one learn those skills? Education, apprenticeships, technical schools, etc. People need training to be hired for good paying jobs!
It seems lately everyone wants to give everything to people who are in need. The old saying, "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime." holds true here. Lets put the emphasis on education to help people improve their economic situation.
I'm not saying that we should throw more money at education, but I do believe we, as a society, and families individually need to put more importance on education so that individuals will develop the skills they need to enjoy a better quality of life.
Thanks for reading my point of view!
Until next time...
Diane
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