Defending the Truth

I hate to say this, but I agree with mr. highspeeds on that one point. I worked at CVS when I was 14 and made more than minimum wage too. Point being (for those who couldn't tell) it's easy to make higher than minimum wage.

Yeah, but I'm willing to bet it was only about a buck above minimum wage. That doesn't pay the bills....
and many in our country work this way, often with few or benefits.

These people need to take out some loans, go to school and work a full time job at the same time. I know it sucks ass to do that, but if you want to get anywhere in life, that's what you gotta do. That is exactly what my friend did when he came over from Russia.

Yeah, you're right...the point is that if a teenager can make more than minimum wage right off the bat, there's a good chance that that person will be able to work himself/herself up to higher wages and better jobs. Yes, it takes motivation and some ambition but you can't expect to pay the bills without those two things either.

Good point aMFliberal.

Here's another...if your working at a job making minimum wage, and have been making close to or around the same pay for over a year...something's not right. Either you call in sick too many times, you don't put in that 110%, or whatever. It doesn't matter what the job field is, if you work hard and you're good at it, you will see more money in your pocket.

In return, you can use that money to pay off loans for your educations or whatever. I know a kid from college who is 20 years old, lives with his girlfriend, and has an income from welfare checks. He can get a job, but he is fine with getting checks in the mail each week. Makes me sick thinking that our tax dollars pays for him to be a cough potatoe.

I can go on and on...

Yeah RidinHigh. I really appreciate your dedication to hard work. I have to say I think people should put in at least 35 hours a week. But I just had a smoke, so it makes me stop and think... what exactly is our destination? We can both work hard enough, share, and have enough spare time to experience life, stop and smell the roses, sip from the cup of life. I'm a sentimental fool!




"Do you ever just get down on your knees and thank God that you know me and have access to my dementia?"
- George, in "The Switch"

Ah...clearly.

A lot of people can't just get a loan. If you come from a poor family that can't back you it is often impossible to make ends meet. Being short on cash and not having anyone to bail you out can lead to having to choose between food or paying the phone bill on time. If you choose food, your credit can be hurt, wrecking you chance of just getting a loan. If you choose to pay the bill, you are going hungry. People working full time should not have to make that choice if budget properly. Sadly though, it happends all the time.

I've heard many stories of people coming to this country with hardly any money, and just making it in America by getting an education, working hard to get good grades, and continuing on with their career.

Maybe all of that is just false...I highly doubt it.

I am sure that some people can make it on their own. But many more cannot. I know that I have studied very hard and last summer I worked 60-80 hours a week. After rent and bills there was still barely anything left over! I am lucky that I have outside help from my family and the government because there is no way that I could make any kind of good grades while trying to feed myself by working 40 hours a week. Besides people honestly working hard at a full time job should be able to afford rent and food. I worked full time (yes, above the CA minimum wage) and was not able to afford the basic needs on my own. Do I need to get off of my ass and work? No, I think it is about time our system started working.