"Here lies the dilemma facing Congress as it attempts an immigration overhaul. Businesses say it is hard to persuade Americans to perform the unskilled jobs that immigrants easily fill. Significantly higher wages might work, but that increase would be passed on to unhappy consumers, forcing Americans to give up under-$10 manicures and $15-per-hour paint and lawn jobs."
Let's see, low prices on nonessential services vs. a just society. I'm thinking, I'm thinking...
3 comments:
Chris Mathews made an intersting point on his Sunday show. He said that most of these low wage jobs are created BECAUSE there are so many illegal immigrants in the U.S. If there weren't, he argued, we wouldn't see Burger Kings on every corner, or resorts and golf courses in the middle of the desert.
I think we have to set expectations for a lot of people. Why will American's not take these jobs...is it easier to collect welfare when you are down on your luck and out of a job?
Maybe consumers need to expect to pay a little more, and everyone needs to expect to do their share for society--join the fray, and do it legally.
It's not that Americans won't take these jobs. It's that we refuse to work for less than minimum wage.
I'd like to see more pressure being put on the companies that employ illegal workers because they don't think they should be bothered to pay an honest salary to someone who performs a physical task.
Great job on C-Span too, by the way. I especially liked how you handled questions from people that were trying to corner you with Red vs. Blue questions.
You want to hear from young people who feel they are getting screwed economically?
I suggest you include old farts as well. Keep your horizons open. You never know who's listening and who's interested.
Usually I post on the economic sites. But, believe it or not, I learned about you in the Guardian.
"Generation Debt" hmmmm has a ring to it. It might catch on.
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