Dr.Butler |
04-14-2025 03:23 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pugchief
(Post 2424306)
So many fallacies:
1. If more teenagers were working, less would be getting into trouble. Not instead of school, in addition. Maybe make part time jobs mandatory!
2. "Crappy wages" are paid to unskilled, somewhat unreliable teens because that's what the free market will bear. No one is forcing them to take those jobs, but most would for some pocket money. My first job in 1975 at a fried chicken chain paid $1.65/hour, well less than minimum wage and I was thrilled to get the job.
3. Illegal workers are ILLEGAL, and shouldn't be here in the first place. Even if working, the freebies cost taxpayers a fortune.
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Thanks for sharing your perspective. You’ve brought up some points that are definitely worth exploring. Let me respond to each:
1. Teen Jobs and Responsibility: It’s true that part-time jobs can instill responsibility, time management, and work ethic in teens—many studies support this. However, making jobs mandatory could introduce complications, especially for students involved in demanding academic programs, caregiving roles at home, or extracurriculars that are essential for scholarships or college prep. A better approach might be expanding access to optional youth employment programs that offer both flexibility and mentorship.
2. Teen Wages and Market Forces: You're right that entry-level wages often reflect market demand and perceived skill levels. But it's important to recognize that the labor landscape has changed dramatically since 1975. When you earned $1.65/hour, the cost of living—especially for essentials like housing, healthcare, and education was significantly lower. Today, even "pocket money" jobs can be essential for some teens who contribute to family income. Advocating for fair compensation and basic worker protections doesn’t mean disregarding market dynamics it means ensuring dignity and opportunity for all workers, including teens. (BTW, didnt you say in you first point that they would be mandatory? Now your saying no one is forcing them to do the jobs. Do you know the definition for mandatory?)
3. Undocumented Workers and Tax Contributions: While it's true that undocumented immigration presents legal and policy challenges, it's also important to recognize that undocumented workers contribute significantly to the U.S. economy including through taxes. The Social Security Administration estimates they contribute $6–$13 billion annually into Social Security alone, despite being ineligible to collect those benefits. Many also pay federal and state income taxes using ITINs, and like everyone else, they pay sales tax on purchases and property tax (directly or indirectly through rent). Yet they cannot access many public benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance, or federal relief programs. So while there are legitimate debates to be had around immigration enforcement, it's inaccurate to suggest undocumented individuals are simply a financial burden. They often pay into systems that they cannot benefit from. As an additional example, undocumented workers can file tax returns using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and some do receive refunds if they overpaid taxes. However, they cannot claim many major benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Social Security refunds, even if they paid into those systems. So while refunds are possible, they're generally limited compared to what citizens or legal residents can receive.
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