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I prefer a future of increased automation and technology. I think your assessment of the consequences of automation and technology in the long-run are flawed.
I do too, but I know the social consequences. We are projected to have 9 billion or so people in this world by the end of the 21st century. If robots and computers take all the jobs, how will all those people earn a living? Holy crap that is a lot of welfare!!!!!
I'm not being funny, either. When a machine takes the work of a man, that is more person on the unemployment line. The government will either have to take care of him or find some way to keep him off the street.
In case you hadn't noticed Germany isn't a socialist economy and they don't have a minimum wage either (they just passed one, but doesn't go into effect until 2015. How backward of them.)
I believe Germany is like the rest of Europe where the unions set the wages for the country through collective bargaining, but I don't really keep a close eye on how Germany functions when it comes to wages.
That's interesting since I haven't really voiced an opinion on the matter.
As jobs disappear, and they will, practically every economist from all disciplines agrees, where will people earn a living?
The only sensible long term solution is a strong federal social program, where the means (and fruits) of production are controlled and owned by the public.
In about 75 years there will be nothing left to capitalize on, and the ironic "greed is good for everybody" dogma will have run its course.
Those Hostess bakery folks had the chance to buy their factory and didn't do it.
Lots of talk but no group wants to take that risk of actually running their own business.
Oh wow, writing off entire economic models now? You're just chalk full of ideas aren't you?
In case you hadn't noticed, Germany is an evil socialist nation and they're propping up the rest of the EU.
There will not always be jobs, and you can't just go to college to make them appear. Don't you think every worker is looking to train themselves in whatever the next big thing is? It doesn't make more jobs, it just makes the workplace far more competitive.
Jobs will disappear, and people will not accept a meager standard of living, especially after building wealth for capitalists the last few centuries...
Oh but they are. In 5 years low paying service jobs will be over 50% of all US jobs.
And when there's opening they are lining up by the thousands to apply for them.
I do too, but I know the social consequences. We are projected to have 9 billion or so people in this world by the end of the 21st century. If robots and computers take all the jobs, how will all those people earn a living? Holy crap that is a lot of welfare!!!!!
I'm not being funny, either. When a machine takes the work of a man, that is more person on the unemployment line. The government will either have to take care of him or find some way to keep him off the street.
Historically technology has never resulted in unemployment. According to SSA.GOV US unemployment was 10 percent in 1900. Social Security History
In 2000, after 100 years of automation, unemployment dipped briefly below 4%. The advent of the car and truck eliminated jobs for carriage drivers, farriers, etc. but created a whole new industry with millions of new jobs. The computer eliminated jobs for slide rule and abacus makers, but created millions of jobs for programmers, operaters, tech support, etc.
I do too, but I know the social consequences. We are projected to have 9 billion or so people in this world by the end of the 21st century. If robots and computers take all the jobs, how will all those people earn a living? Holy crap that is a lot of welfare!!!!!
I'm not being funny, either. When a machine takes the work of a man, that is more person on the unemployment line. The government will either have to take care of him or find some way to keep him off the street.
Those are the only options you can think of? More government? The guy finding his own way to keep off the street and make a living isn't even an option...interesting.
Yes, proggies, keep raising the minimum wage so that small businesses close and more people lose jobs because bigger companies will always find ways to cut corners. To them, human chattel is as expendable as toilet paper.
It turns out that Leftists can’t repeal the law of supply and demand. In the Seattle suburb of Seatac, adjacent to the airport and full of parking lots, hotels, and restaurants with many low wage employees, the minimum wage was hiked to $15 an hour, and the results of this social experiment are coming in. United Liberty reports:
At the Clarion Hotel off International Boulevard, a sit-down restaurant has been shuttered, though it might soon be replaced by a less-labor-intensive cafe…
Other businesses have adjusted in ways that run the gamut from putting more work in the hands of managers, to instituting a small "living-wage surcharge" for a daily parking space near the airport.
Yes, proggies, keep raising the minimum wage so that small businesses close and more people lose jobs because bigger companies will always find ways to cut corners. To them, human chattel is as expendable as toilet paper.
It turns out that Leftists can’t repeal the law of supply and demand. In the Seattle suburb of Seatac, adjacent to the airport and full of parking lots, hotels, and restaurants with many low wage employees, the minimum wage was hiked to $15 an hour, and the results of this social experiment are coming in. United Liberty reports:
At the Clarion Hotel off International Boulevard, a sit-down restaurant has been shuttered, though it might soon be replaced by a less-labor-intensive cafe…
Other businesses have adjusted in ways that run the gamut from putting more work in the hands of managers, to instituting a small "living-wage surcharge" for a daily parking space near the airport.
Sit down restaurants don't do as good as they use to, business travelers prefer things that are easier on their budget and is more cafe style.
I think it is pretty well definite that in 10 years, $15 per hour will be a poverty level wage in King County, Washington, and minimum wage earners will be behind the 8 ball again!
NOTHING will be gained, and "they" will be lobbying for a minimum wage of $20 per hour.
When they get that, within 10 years $20 per hour will be a poverty level wage.
AND, the cycle will continue, because "they" will never see what is happening!
I think it is pretty well definite that in 10 years, $15 per hour will be a poverty level wage in King County, Washington, and minimum wage earners will be behind the 8 ball again!
NOTHING will be gained, and "they" will be lobbying for a minimum wage of $20 per hour.
When they get that, within 10 years $20 per hour will be a poverty level wage.
AND, the cycle will continue, because "they" will never see what is happening!
If Seattle approved the plan that was proposed, after it reaches $15, it will be tied to inflation and go up when inflation rises, but I haven't had a chance to read any of the details to the new minimum wage law.
Also, you once could get a loaf of bread for a nickel, now you can't. Times change and prices and pay change.
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