1/19/2012 10:01 AM
Dennis I get what you are saying but how is it different then when we ask those in a higher income tax bracket to pay a little more? "hey you can take less money working that minimum wage job, despite you were making $20 an hour as a carpenter". I do agree when there are jobs available, it would be good if people would take them, but what about when businesses just aren't hiring? Some of your suggestions such as cleaning sides of roads, washing vehicles for the state, are the states in their tight budgets willing to even spend the money on the supplies and transport even if the labor was "free"? Working at a business getting training, there is a cost to that business, even if they get a long term benefit? Are business willing to invest? There is a cost to these ideas that in my opinion the right doesn't want to bare, and the left wants to pay for with more taxes. What about compromises, I think some tax incentives to businesses try to encourage this, but when those incentive are given, there is a part of the cost of normal (and if anyone can define that) government business and spending that can't be paid for. (I guess we need to find that deal about what rate of taxes and what incentives and loop holes to close).
I also think is some regards Dennis, you are talking about someone looking for a career compared to someone looking for a job, career seekers are probably more willing to accept a job in a business at slave wages (sort of like our summer interns) busting their butts to prove their capabilities and it usually ends up paying off in the end, but boy is someone getting taken advantage of and there are those that would take advantage of the labor and don't care. Some people are really just looking for jobs to support themselves and then in turn enjoy their and their families lives. I see a need for both types of employees, cause I can't afford to have 5 assistants and 2 crew members, (not that it would be great to have a crew like that).
I guess what I'm trying to point out at is we really need to look at both sides of the picture and the politicians don't seem to be doing that, or they just like to talk without being specific, of course when both sides are going to stand on their sides of the playground.
Mel
Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS, Horton Smith Golf Course, City of Springfield/Greene County MO