Make positive change

With all the preoccupation with trillion-dollar deficits, multibillion-dollar businesses and other macroeconomic topics, it is easy to forget about the millions of people at the bottom of the economic ladder, that infamous 47 percent who don’t make enough money to pay taxes.

Want to make an enormous positive change in the economy? We can start by raising the minimum wage to $10 nationwide within the next six months and $12.50 in 18 months.

I can just hear the howls coming from tightwad conservatives out there. They will tell you about the millions who would lose their jobs because the owners couldn’t afford to pay them. Hogwash! We hear this lame excuse every time. The truth is that there is always a brief time when this happens, usually a few months. But within a few weeks there is a sudden influx of money hitting the economy, usually at the bottom. Overnight millions have an extra $40-$100 in their pockets. That’s a new pair of inexpensive shoes or a new shirt, an occasional meal at a restaurant, getting the water turned back on, some new tires.

The service economy almost overnight transforms into millions of low (but now better-paying) jobs. Within a year or so the money begins to work its way up the economic ladder. Unemployment falls, spirits rise, bankruptcies decline, and improved tax collection will lessen the deficit.

Of course, this will boost the popularity of those who support this policy. The only question is: Will enough Republicans do what is best for the country or continue letting the radicals run (ruin) their party? MARK AROUH

Little Rock