Federal Minimum Wage in 1968 was $1.25 per hour
Federal minimum wage in 1968 was $1.25 per hour which was the year current President Bush graduated from YALE with a degree in history and I was a sophomore studying at Memphis State University (now University of Memphis). Back then a bottle of Coke or Pepsi from a machine was 10 cents. So was a local phone call. Rent for a 3 room garden apartment was about $100 per month. Gasoline was $.29. Tuition for an in-state undergraduate was free at Memphis State and cost $250 for a full time out of state student up to 21 credits. Two small hambergers, a small french fry and a small drink was about 50 cents at McDonalds. A filling at the dentist cost $5.00 without dental insurance. A Volkswagen Beetle automobile brand new was about $2,000. The purchasing power was very high back in 1968.The Federal minimum wage is $5.15 and has not been increased in about 10 years. I think we all know that the purchasing power of different items is much lower at minimum wage today than it was in 1968. Everyone know that Congress and the President should have increased the minimum wage a long time ago.
Ralph Nader said on TV that if the minimum wage of the 1960's had cost of living applied to it the new minimum wage should be just under $10.00.
It seems that in the 1960's we had cheap housing, fuel, healthcare, and tuition and today we have those things at excessive intolerable prices. It is cruel that so many Americans are caught today between low wages and excessive intolerable prices.
In 1968, President Johnson brought us the Great society and in 2006, President Bush brought us misery.
Slavery and indentured servitude ended more than a century ago and we don't need this president and congress to re-establish a generation or class of American citizens or illegal workers in this country of severely disadvantaged persons. This group of elitists as this president and congress people are bringing back the days of robber barons. I don't know where Bush goes to Church, but if I accidently stopped by, I hope I protect my wallet from being picked. All American senators, representatives, and especially the president shame us.
What do you think? Should the Federal minimum wage be raised appropriately and quickly? Do you think it is fair to take advantage of Americans or illegal workers in this country at such a low minimum wage?
posted by God Bless America - Bob @ 2:10 PM
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