The recent attempt in the U.S. Senate to pretend to be interested in raising the minimum wage was a disgrace.
The current minimum wage of $5.15 per hour has not been raised since 1997. The minimum wage of $1.60 in effect in 1969 had
the purchasing power of more than $8 per hour in current dollars. In fact, the minimum wage has been significantly reduced
since 1969.
Although a major increase in the minimum wage is a national imperative, its sponsors were forced to make
a lame attempt to attach it as a rider to a controversial bankruptcy bill, thus confusing the issue. The Democratic proposal
of $7.25 per hour was, at best, inadequate. Most economists believe a true ''living'' wage would be more than $12 per hour.
The Republican proposal of $6.25 per hour, however, was an insult to working class people.
Both Al Gore and George W. Bush supported an increase to $6.15 per hour in the 2000 campaign. Ironically,
Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, the sponsor of the Republican proposal and a staunch opponent of abortion, is unwilling
to support a living wage for the unborn child's parents. This makes a mockery of the Republican ''values'' agenda.
But most disappointing is the apparent lack of outrage by the working class. Is it possible that enacting
a ban on gay marriages or various other ''values'' issues, have a greater priority than guaranteeing a decent standard of
living?
Unfortunately, there aren't enough discredited ''liberals'' to carry on the struggle alone.
Robert Fisher, Upper Saucon Township
