Vermont Minimum Wage Increase to Among Nations Highest. Too bad it is still not a livable wage.

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On January 1, 2009 Vermont's minimum wage is set to increase to $8.06/hour  which is among the nation's highest.  While I applaud this move on Vermont's part I have to acknowledge the elephant in the room.  Simply put $8.06 is not even close to a livable wage.  I'm pretty sure that if you work a standard 40 hour week making this you would still qualify for a significant amount of government assistance.  This is wrong in so many ways.  From a humanitarian standpoint you should not be poor if you are willing to work full time even if that job is a menial one.  I believe that the original intent of the minimum wage in the United States was to provide a wage that could support the minimum physical needs of a family.  From a public policy standpoint having a wage this low is essentially a government subsidy for employers who fail to pay their employees a living wage.  I know that the argument exists that small business simply cannot afford to pay their employees a minimum wage in the $15/hour range.  While dubious, I seriously doubt that the toilets would not get cleaned, it also points out a simple fact.  If your business model cannot support paying a living wage that does not require the government to subsidize your payroll through assistance programs, then you have no business being in business.
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The next generation comes so fast.

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Originally uploaded by kevindiffily

This is a photo of my daughter Helen and my niece Nora. It amazes me how quickly they grow. I am in constant wonder and feel so fortunate to be able to see this happen. The little one sucking on her fingers (constantly) is probobly working on that set of baby teeth, or maybe she is just pondering the nature of particle physics. Don't ever underestimate them. Miss Helen continues to consume copious amounts of books and food, probobly about equal in weight. The airline person asked me how old she was today and I almost choked on saying nine. I can remember when she was the size of her young cousin. Anyway I have to head out the door in a few to pick her up at the airport.

Have a great holiday all.

The Clean Coal Carolers

This is as hilarious as the coal industry's attempt to greenwash coal as cute, cuddly, and green.

To see it with sound you have to go here.

iPhone Copy and Paste Now Working Between Safari and Mail

Check it out over at Gizmodo

Thanksgiving - Helen & Nora

Thanksgiving - Helen & Nora
Originally uploaded by kelly_diffily

Aunt Kelly posted a photo of Helen and Nora that is just wonderful.

The Rich Are Hogging Our Common Inheritance -- We Must Take

A bit didactic but a good overview of the necessity of a high inheritance tax, which Warren Buffet strongly backs.

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