Norman's Blog

1) Secure the border. Should have done it 450 years ago.

2) Deport all illegal immigrants. Should have done it 450 years ago.

In 1995, the Democratic President stated:

Now, I've studied the arguments and the evidence for and against a minimum wage increase. I believe the weight of the evidence is that a modest increase does not cost jobs, and may even lure people back into the job market.

This is the Card-Krueger lie where science is supplanted by politics. Scientifically, an increase in the minimum wage increases unemployment and increases inflation, ceteris paribus. Note the words "ceteris paribus!" If the minimum wage is increased and unemployment and/or inflation do not also increase, it is attributable to offsetting variables. It is fallacy to conclude the causal relationship does not exist.

Be realistic about the minimum wage. Given inflation, the minimum wage, in and of itself, does nothing to elevate the standard of living of minimum wage earners. However, it is the catalyst for other variables changing to mitigate adverse effects. Pressure is brought to bear upon businesses to gain efficiencies and economies of scale and/or scope.

Perhaps, a better way to help low wage earners is the Earned Income Tax Credit. It does not subsidize teenage workers of wealthy families.