LOL I have never claimed to have dinner with the president of anywhere. Nor have i blown anyone up. Actually we have a lot of VN vets on this forum. I would like to hear more from them. Maybe I will start a thread just to listen.

never said you blew anyone up, said I did. Also the dinner with the president was hyperbole.

What would you want Vietnam vets to say? What do you think they will say?
Most vets don't really want to talk about their experiences. Especially on a internet forum. Nobody believes they are really vets. Someone will also claim the vet is lying.

One thing about those types of forums; you always get some well meaning soul who blurts out "Welcome Home Brother" Well to be honest I have been home for almost 40 years. The other is the hero thing. I think the word hero has become one ofthe most overused words in the language, to the point that it is meaningless. Not everyone who served in combat in any war is a hero, hell some were cowards but to call anyone who wore a uniform a hero takes away from those who really were heros

You will just have to raise the price of you products, since all minimium wage is raised people will have enough money to balance it out. Raising the minimium wage will effect all businesses, meaning all will have to raise there prices, which actually negates raising the minimium wage if you think about it. However, raising it has never done any harm to the economy before, despite what you may think and no one can prove that actually has.

While I agree that the MW should be raised, it will harm some. Primarily those who do not have jobs. Since prices will rise those who have no jobs or make little money (although still above MW) will be worse off in that scenario. Also, if wages increase it only makes sense that less workers will be hired. You might not actually see it, but it will be a couple less here and a couple less there. It adds up.

Sure, I agree that in theory it would be bad in some ways in the short term, but the economy would adjust as it always has. Plus over enployment leads to inflation, which makes the FED raise interest rates to slow it back down. When they do this it will lead to increased unemployment anyway. Thats why unemployment was so high during the Regan administration.

Can anyone direct me to any links that show what jobs pay minimum wage, what groups work for minimum wage, how many "families" are trying to live on minimum wage?

I think the entire minimum wage issue is a sham. Illegals are not working for minimum wage for the most part. Even places like fast food resturants and Walmart does not pay minimum wage to any but the most menial jobs. All the grocery stores in this area pay $2.00 or more over minimum wage for beginning bag boys or cashiers. If you pay minimum wage you get minimum competence. Anyone who is able would get better paying jobs.

It is my contention (unless someone can prove otherwise) that the vast majority (not all mind you, but more than most) minimum wage jobs are held by teenagers and those working in jobs that also allow tips or incentives. I actually work for minimum wages but I also get a percentage of all the sales I make. While exactly what I make is none of your business (unless you are an IRS agent) I can tell you its well about the average. Raising my "wage" to $7.00 an hour would not substantially change my overall income (which is totally dependant on me and my own efforts)

I am not convinced that raising the minimum wage would help anyone directly. It will cause those people who are now making more than minimum wage (say $7.00 an hour) to demand a raise because they are certainly better workers than the slugs and incompetents who are content with a mere $5.50 an hour

Nathan I linked you to Oregons minimum wage studies. Last night on Fox they were talking about Wal Mart and a guest speaker on Oreilly said about half are teens and the other half adults but I think that would vary depending on the state and the economy.

One point my son worked last summer for 7.80 per hour in a retirement home. He is saving most of his money and buys his gas and insurance. He does not get any discounts on gas/food/insurance because of his age. Next year he will attend a college that costs about 30,000 per year.He will need his savings for books,gas,food,insurance, etc. He said the teens he knows are either working to save for outrageous college costs or many are helping families or have no parental support.

So, what are you saying Sam? Because your kids want to go to an expensive school the rest of us should have to pay higher prices if they raise minimum wages?

Its also my opinion that half or more of the kids in college today don't belong there. They would be better served by attending technical schools or trade schools

Natthan: If you review the thread I stated that I do not think increased minimum wage s increase prices in most cases. That is what corporate chains want you to believe.

No I am not selfish. I would not want to harm society because my kid wants to go to an expensive school. I think he earned his wages by running his ass off feeding,caring and walking the most vulnerable of society last summer to help pay his way. His very old used car and gasoline/insurance cost no less than anyone elses.

Call me confused but I don't understand how raising the cost of business without increasing the productivity would not lead to increase cost to the public. If raising the minimum wage does not lead to increase cost then my theory that very few people are actually paid minimum wage is true as it does not affect current workers.

I was confused about what point you were making with your obviously perfect son. He worked at a job that paid higher than minimum wage in order to pay for his own schooling. What was your point?