meganmonkey

In case anyone was unclear on this....

The Basic Economic Security Tables for Michigan, a study that analyzes the cost of essential needs for singles and families across Michigan, found the cost of providing basic necessities -- such as shelter, food and transportation -- far exceeds minimum wage and the paychecks of people working full-time in low-paying job categories.

Among the findings:

• Single Michigan residents without children must earn $12.24 an hour to support themselves.

• A mother with two young children -- like Thomas -- needs $24.49 an hour to house, clothe and feed her children. That's three times the minimum wage.

http://www.freep.com/Article/2011053...e-minimum-wage

This article is about Michigan, and of course it applies everywhere. Looking at the charts provided at the link above, it is clear to see that even these numbers are only covering the bare minimum and assume employer-based benefits in addition to wages, something becoming scarcer by the day.

If this 'issue' isn't the bottom line, I don't know what is. Record corporate profits abound while hard working people, and those who are unable to work, are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. Meanwhile those corporate profits are barely taxed so basic services like education and infrastructure are falling apart, let alone any social 'safety nets'.

How can anyone can deny that conditions are getting worse and that the game is impossible to win for most people?