Should Minimum Wage Be Raised To $15 Across The U.S.?

 

Photo: NBC News

Should the minimum wage be raised to $15 per hour across the entire United States?  That is a looming question that has circulated Congress for years.  Now, with a Democratically run Congress, the question has more momentum to be seriously entertained.  How would different states handle such a raise in hourly wage?  Would small businesses suffer greatly?  Would large businesses suffer more?  Is $11 per hour more reasonable?

In an interview with MSNBC's Financial analyst Steve Rattner, Morning Joe's Joe Scarborough asks the above questions in a succinct but sobering poster.  Financial analyst Steve Ratner gives two great charts which are shown below before entertaining the questions above:

In short, the answer to the above questions is "yes" right off the start.  Although, after looking at the first chart, the need to raise the federal minimum wage above the 'poverty line' of $6.58 per hour is necessary.  

Secondly, the greatest planet on Earth should not have the near lowest minimum wage.  How does that look for capitalists?  Those greedy tricksters are profiting off the backs of Americans working barely to survive. 

Should America really be last in place in taking care of its citizens?  By wage, healthcare, and in general welfare?  Why are people so intent on leaving certain citizens out in the cold?  The minimum wage cannot stay low forever.  

As Steve Rattner points out with respect to a national minimum wage in the video above, the minimum wage needs to increase eventually.  We look pathetic in line compared to other nations.  Just look at the graphs above.  

What result do you draw from looking at the data above?  Do you think that the minimum wage is acceptable for those who receive it?  What should be done about it?  Nothing? Raise it? Leave it the same?  Or who cares?  At least think about it.  Stay tuned!