I wish we treated “minimum wage” in the US like the name was supposed to imply, i.e., the minimum wage needed to survive. I would be okay with minimum wage if it allowed someone to afford shelter (maybe with roommates), food (cooking at home), utilities (electric, gas, internet), and other basic necessities like clothing. I would have included health care, but that’s a whole different topic. Minimum wage in Bumfuck, Texas should be different from Cityfuck, California. But instead we treat it as the minimum employers can pay someone, regardless of a typical human’s everyday needs.
Now, a “living wage” might be a step above that minimum, covering amenities/situations like living alone, having kids, entertainment, travel, advanced education, etc. The kind of things that are a step up from the survival-based minimum, but things everyone needs for a fulfilling life. But I want to start with a minimum, because that’s more achievable in US politics right now, has wide support, and is truly necessary for the people struggling right now.
I misread the headline as “only if he was being given last rites,” and was confused until I actually clicked the article. Made me think of people who supposedly only converted to believing in a god on their deathbeds, when suddenly it seemed like it mattered to them.
“Family and friends, good father, forgive me for my stubbornness, and bring me a ballot so that I may change my vote upon seeing the light.” ~Markus Cubano, Nov. 2024