Fitting one’s wages to one’s needs

James Witherspoon, Maricopa, Ariz.

Monday, Nov. 18, 2013 | 2:01 a.m.

Maybe we’re getting what we deserve. We elect wealthy politicians to office and expect them to do the right thing for common people.

We elect people who really have nothing in common with the average Joe.

Yes, there is “class warfare,” and we’ve lost that war, starting with the “Reagan revolution.”

We wonder why the Republicans seem so heartless when it comes to the working poor and middle class. In their world, if you have a TV and eat once a day, you’re not poor and you should be happy to make minimum wage because that’s all you deserve.

The Democrats are guilty of this also, but they seem to have empathy for the poor and working class.

I don’t consider myself poor by any means. I’m fortunate enough to have a business in Arizona and residences in three states. However, I don’t think that anyone in this country deserves to work all day at any job and still not be able to feed his or her family or be able to go to the doctor.

There would be no need for food stamps if people were paid a decent wage.

I have an idea that might help. Maybe people should be paid more if they have more dependents.

For instance, if you’re 28 years old and have three kids and work for a fast-food joint, you automatically make more than a kid working that same job for the summer for school supplies.

Your wages should fit your needs. You may not get rich, but at least you can provide for your family.

I can hear the “socialist” cries coming from your readers already, but this isn’t socialism. It’s being humane; something the Republicans need to learn. Try a little empathy.