THE PAY IS TOO DAMN LOW

[feathateathn]

88. Who can live on $10//hr ?????

Seriously, how can anyone raise a family on that?? Based on a 40hr work week, 50 weeks per year that's $20k per year pre-tax. There's no way someone could raise a family of four, own a house, own reliable transportation (one vehicle per adult), pay for college for his kids, pay for good medical coverage, pay for good clothing, good food, entertainment and retirement savings.

No I am not joking.

If you're answer is going to be "that's a starting wage", that's B.S. A human being who works a full day has a right to a wage that will support all of the above, regardless of his stage in his career. You as an employer have a moral obligation to provide it. If you "can't afford it" than you should re-visit your business model.

Look, I'm new to this forum. A lot of the ideas I see here are great but I'm distressed at the pragmatism I see. Income inequality is decried, but the proposed answers just nip around at the edges. Rounding error.

My proposal: Universal Wage

That's right, not "minimum wage". Not "living wage". Universal Wage.

Everyone gets the same wage, regardless of job title, experience, etc. Pure equality.

Anything less is pure greed and pure evil. Why should the boss be paid anything more than the janitor? They both work hard; the janitor probably harder than the boss.

Go ahead and list the reasons this "can't work". It certainly can if enforced at the point of a gun. Those who won't willingly go along will if coerced sufficiently. There certainly is precedent. Failure to pay taxes or any other of a host of obligations eventually leads to coercion by the point of a gun. The inequality in this country has come to a point where the same coercive power of the government is needed.

But, no one will start businesses, be doctors, etc of there is no chance of greater financial reward!!

Yes they will, if they are forced.

Here's how it would work: Children would be screened and tested at an early age for talents and aptitudes. Career paths would be set by a government panel. At no point would the individual have any choice in the matter; the government experts certainly know better for him.

As far as wages, it is a simple matter of dividing the GDP by the number of working individuals and giving each their equal slice of the pie. The ultimate profit sharing plan!

But the GDP will plummet if there is no profit incentive!!

Not if enforced by the point of a gun. Productivity will be strictly monitored and maintained.

All motivation for retail profit will disappear and prices for goods will plummet! Everything becomes more affordable.

Eventually, when people realize that we're all the same, currency can be eliminated. Everyone takes only what he needs and produces to the best of his ability. It can and will work.