Ted Kennedy demonstrates definition of bi-partisan

So the President concedes a minimum wage hike to Democrats to show them he’s willing to work with them. And he throws in a tax break for small businesses, who would be hit hardest by paying their unskilled, entry-level employees more money. Only seems reasonable doesn’t it? Since, according to the Democrats for the last six years, politics is compromise.

Nope not for Ted Kennedy. He wants a “clean bill” that “doesn’t have any baggage” Clean? Baggage? Clean wouldn’t include a tax cut for small businesses who would bear the greatest burden of a minimum wage hike? Baggage like incentives to dissuade employers from slashing their entry-level jobs?

Kennedy misrepresents the demographics of minimum wage earners when he claims that they have been paid the low minimum wage for 10 years. Anyone who is still making minimum wage at the same job for the last ten years has bigger problems than a pittance pay raise.

Back on October 21st, I exploded the myth of the minimum wage earner using the Labor Statistics Bureau’ numbers. Less than 1% of American workers make minimum wage. More than half of minimum wage earners are under the age of 25. And half of minimum wage workers are in the food service industry and earn tips over-and-above their basic salary.

But since when has Ted Kennedy ever paid attention to the truth?

Category: Politics