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We should not be putting economics on a higher pedestal than doing the right thing. Your brother is entitled to the same rights that you are.


Well what the right thing to do depends on whether we're thinking idealistically or pragmatically. Idealistically everyone deserves the same right to minimum wage protection. But if we followed our ideals in this situation then most disabled folks wouldn't be hired at all.

So what's the 'right' thing to do? I don't know what you mean by putting economics on a higher pedestal. If something isn't economically sustainable then what does it even mean to do the right thing?


The right thing to do is for the minimum wage to be the minimum wage, regardless of ability. In the event you can't make minimum wage, government safety nets kick in.


But you're not really addressing the actual problem that the GP was stating. Disabled individuals want to be gainfully employed, but under the minimum wage law no one would hire them.

Your 'right thing to do' just negatively disrupted the lives of most disabled folks without much benefit other than upholding your ideal.


I disagree: the right thing is to let the minimum income be the minimum income, regardless of employment [0], and let market value of labor set wages.

[0] But wages should always be on top of minimum income, because otherwise there is a range at the bottom with no marginal incentive to do economically valuable work.


Before the minimum wage was introduced the market didn't do a very good job of ensuring workers had a livable income.


>Your brother is entitled to the same rights that you are.

The right in question is a means to an end - financial security. Universal healthcare and a strong safety net accomplish the same thing.

It's unreasonable condition the financial security of people with disabilities on their working.




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