Stage Six Comment On Colleague's Work

             The main point of  Yady Garcia’s original editorial is that society needs to be more involved in government. Mostly to save the planet because global warming and environmental issues are very real and important. The evidence that this author uses includes information about a bill promoting access to the  Keystone Pipeline. Then she states how Obama vetoed this bill. There are also some statements about scientists and their research. I personally don't think there is enough supportive evidence. I believe adding some statistics, some research quotes from reliable qualified scientists, or some direct evidence on climate change would have made the argument stronger. The presented evidence is consistent with the article, but in my opinion is not sufficient enough for me to judge the article. I need some more concrete insight into how global warming is effecting society including facts in the form of data and measurements. I agree with the world view that the author present’s, but Yady Garcia needs to consider the other side. By doing this I mean that an understanding of why some people do not think the environment needs help or even that global warming is not real. These are the people that need to be convinced so that change can occur. I already agree with the article, which is why it is so interesting for me to read. I completely agree we need to be more involved in government to make changes that will effect our world. I am terrified that our new president is planning on appointing Myron Ebell to head the EPA transition team and this man believes global warming is “silly.” This is one example of a person who would not agree. There are also many people in society that think the same way as this individual. These people would need a stronger argument with more proof to come to an insightful conclusion.

Increase USA Minimum Wage, Blog Stage Five

We should increase minimum wage and base its increase on inflation in the United States of America. Currently it is not increased with inflation meaning people are still making the same amount with a higher cost-of-living. Minimum wage is defined by Merriam Webster as “an amount of money that is the least amount of money per hour that workers must be paid according to the law.” Only 5% of laws introduced into Congress actually pass and become a law. If the minimum wage were increased it would increase education, job security, employment and quality of life. People have been and still come to America for the “American Dream,” which is a belief that every citizen should have the chance to be successful and happy. I believe this is a philosophical dream for any human being and can only be achieved by changing our minimum wage.

There are many articles stating most minimum-wage workers are teens or under 25 and live with their parents or in a $50,000 or more household. These articles state an opinion that this group of people does not need to be paid more than minimum wage. Other sources also argue that only a small percentage of people over 25 are in minimum wage jobs, and that this small margin of people would not affect the economy. According to the US Department of Labor, “89 percent of those who would benefit from a federal minimum wage increase to $12 per hour are age 20 or older, and 56 percent are women.” According to the Washington Post, “ only 27% of college graduates have a job related to their major.” I personally know plenty of students that are graduates under 25 working for minimum wage and living with their parents. These educated adults definitely deserve to get paid enough to move out and pay back their student loans. Also, some argue about people getting paid for the skills that they have, but I believe paying more would increase savings. This would lead to continuing education and allow people to get out of a paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

According to the National Employment Law Project increasing minimum wage in states has had some very positive feedback. According to this article the few states that increased their minimum wage also increased economic growth without decreasing employment. They also show how increasing it slowly does not affect businesses. This is an example of how increasing with inflation would be an asset instead of by law. Americans need to be able to have savings and this is how we accomplish a sustainable goal.

Some possible options instead of increasing minimum wage could be to decreasing education cost. This way American’s could increase education and their ability to learn skills. Another option would be to decreasing the margin between rich and poor so that there is an equal opportunity to succeed. Lastly, even decreasing welfare for increased available funds to increase minimum wage. These ideas are the other paths I imagine would help all citizens to achieve the “American Dream.”