Mon, May 01 2006

The bed we've made and the bed we're going to have to make

At least one radio personality made the point that silence might have made a larger impact, and that some sectors of the work force will actually make more money today as they clean up after the folks who take to the streets.

One thing is certain. We didn't get into this mess overnight and we aren't going to solve all the problems overnight either. I hope the folks in the streets find some satisfaction from their activities today. But I'll be honest to say that I'm stumped as to why it's so difficult for them to get a guest worker status (for those who are actually seeking guest worker status). That's the part that I hope changes. We have to get tough with law breakers who stay here illegally, but we also need to find a way to allow people who want to be honest to work here. And we have to pressure employers to pay those workers a wage that is fair.

If that last one means we pay more for goods and services, then so be it. i have a feeling that a lot of people will go for the other changes, but not for higher wages for immigrants who have been paid so little here in the past. When a meal out or a motel room goes up in price because employers must pay minimum wages someday, folks will be ready to remounce their hard line on better wages in favor of really low prices. I look for a lot more restaurants to ask customers to bus their own tables and for some low-priced and mid-line hotels and motels to ask guests to exchange their wet towels at the front desk and to make their own beds during their stay.

posted at: 12:10 | category: /Politics | link to this entry