Bad Luck Brian

I appreciate this semi-debate but my primary question for Liberals such as yourself is: Who exactly is going to pay for these raises? The corporations? Doubtful, they'll replace the employees with people who are willing to work for lower wages or automated kiosks then those people will be unemployed. Think of the ripple effect. It all sounds good, I'm all for helping people but I'm also realistic. I feel everyone should get what they put in. If you don't contribute equally then what gives you the right to feel like you deserve something more in life? I just don't understand that Liberal point of view. Also, I think if you don't like your job or you feel it doesn't pay enough then find another job. I open to a respectful debate if you are.

No one that works the accepted "productive member of society" 40 hours a week should be living in poverty.

Agreed, but the solution isn't giving out pay raises. The solution is making higher education more affordable, more accessible and of more importance in school versus dropping out, getting a GED and expecting to work at McDonald's making $15+ an hour. It's not realistic. Those big companies aren't just going to give in to demands and lose profits, they will replace the workers. That's the reality. I don't want to see anyone suffer or live on the streets but it's just no the solution. Also, you say "productive member of society" can you explain what you mean by that? Simply having a job doesn't make you a productive member of society. Working, paying taxes and not being dependent on any other entity to live is my definition of "productive member of society".

I agree with "Working, paying taxes and not being dependent on any other entity to live is my definition of "productive member of society"

Years ago when the top marginal tax bracket was 90% (1950's) we were flourishing becuase the corporations and the wealthiest people paid their FAIR share of taxes. Unions protected workers rights, bargained for decent wages and kept workers safe. Families could live on ONE income at 40 hours a week.

Today, corporate profits are at all time highs. Productivity is too. Workers wages have been flat for decades while the wealthiest keep getting wealthy. You don't see an issue there?

The middle and lower classes have been trained to protect the rich. It's weird.

Here, let a Billionaire explain it to you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBx2Y5HhplI