Reply #23: perhaps we should reinstitute slavery

[imenja]

and we can have full employment? There are lots of things we are required or forced to do in society: pay taxes, follow SEC regulations, refraining from killing each other. Why should paying people a fair wage for their work be unduly burdensome? The so-called laws of supply and demand don't work perfectly. Corporations are subsidized with American tax dollars. American agribusinesses profit because of farm subsidies paid for by workers, including those who make low wages. Why should American taxpayers further subsidize corporations by making up for the wages they don't pay through the welfare subsidies you suggest? People who work earn their wages. Businesses profit from that labor. Paying employees a living wage is little to ask for the great privileges this nation, and our citizens, provide the wealthy.

How can we consider ourselves a civilized nation when people who work full time can't afford housing? I believe it is a question of fundamental morality and decency. To create a society based on profit alone is nothing short of spiritual bankruptcy.