Monday, January 15, 2007

A Letter from Dot Calm to her Senator: PLEASE Raise Minimum Wage!

Dear Senator:

Thank you for your response of December 19, 2006 regarding minimum wage.

As we know the minimum wage has not been considered for the past ten years. By ignoring the minimum wage for such a long time the American worker finds himself at great financial loss. Increasing it a mere $1.10/hr hardly addresses the problem. Even increasing it to $7.25/hr is marginal, although many states have taken it upon themselves to do exactly that.

The Starbucks, Wal-marts, McDonalds, et al., will survive an increase in minimum wage. They've enjoyed a stagnant one way too long. America must pay its middle class workforce a living wage, especially since most who fall in this category are single mothers trying to raise a family.

As our country drifts to a service economy it is important to maintain a realistic minimum wage. We must avoid turning our country into a plutocracy. We must heed the warnings of Dwight D. Eisenhower, a truly great American.

This country is unique in that it enjoys a restricted vibrant economy. It is essential that she strive to lift all boats by treating her working force respectfully. If the minimum wage was reviewed whenever congress increased its own salaries, there would be an end to this very serious problem.