A lesson on wages from Wal-Mart

Re “Dems’ minimum wage folly,” Opinion, April 19

Like most of his conservative brethren, Jonah Goldberg believes raising the minimum wage is a bad idea because employers will simply lay off workers.

This economic mantra has always been trotted out in the past but bears very little relation to economic reality. The evidence indicates that raising the minimum wage does not result in economic Armageddon. What it does is it gives workers the ability to purchase more goods and services, which stimulates the economy.

If Goldberg doesn’t understand this basic economic principle, Wal-Mart certainly does. It recently raised its hourly minimum wage, bringing the average for its 1 million-plus hourly workers to $13.38. This is short of the $15 its employees demanded.

Apparently, this pay raise did not cause layoffs. Dennis McIntyre

Rancho Palos Verdes

I hate to admit it, but Goldberg got one right.

The minimum wage is a moral and emotional issue, but in a time when jobs are falling victim to out-sourcing and technology, it is poor economic policy. Wage subsidies (which can only be paid for with higher taxes) are a far better way to improve the lives of the working poor.

Did Goldberg realize that he just endorsed an unabashedly progressive left-leaning position? Is he finally succumbing to reality? I can’t wait to read his next commentary. Michael Gitter

Pacific Palisades

Jobs, salaries and benefits to workers increase when businesses thrive. Too bad our politicians don’t get this simple concept. Politicians, in trying to gain votes, have placed unrealistic wage requirements on so many small businesses that we can expect to see reduced hiring, more automation and more store closures.

Wouldn’t it be refreshing if, for once, our politicians would stress to their constituents that they have a responsibility to improve their skill sets so they merit a higher wage? Janet Polak

Beverly Hills