I DISAGREE WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA (A Follow up) (C) 2014 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr

Previous Blog:  A Letter to the White House: 
I DISAGREE WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA (c) 2013, by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr.
http://thecovetedcommandment.blogspot.com/2013/12/i-disagree-with-president-obama-c-2013.html

As you may recall, I sent a letter to President Barack Obama regarding increasing the Minimum Wage.  Below is the context of that letter, and below that, is his response.  i conclude with my thoughts/response to the Letter from the White House.
 

 

 

Subject:        Raising the Minimum Wage[9]

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Re: The Federal Minimum Wage

Dear Mr. President,

I hope this letter finds you and your family in the best of health. I am sending this letter to let you know that I believe that your support for an increase in the Federal Minimum Wage without a savings plan is counter-productive.

I agree with you, Mr. President, a decent living wage should be paid to everyone. But, I can only agree to the point that increasing the minimum wage should not be without providing a government-backed savings plan to help those in low-paying jobs build wealth for themselves and their families.

Mr. President, there are not enough training facilities in our communities. In New Orleans alone, training facilities that once numbered well into the teens, are now fewer since Hurricane Katrina. We need training facilities in New Orleans that help young people who don’t have to go to college, learn a valuable trade that pays them for their skills. For example: Welders, Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, Computer Technologists, Nursing, X-Ray Technicians and other meaningful, skill-leveled positions that improve the motivated person, where they can get paid according to what they bring to the table, as opposed to causing businesses to be forced to increase wages, while affecting their profits.

Can we have both? It’s possible, but small businesses should not be punished. Minimum wage earners can’t continue to depend on jobs that are going to be gone in the next 10 years, and then have no skills to fall back on. This is the foreseeable future, and it is important that if the government can make an impact, this is that opportunity. Please provide training facilities to help prepare our communities with sustainable skills and jobs.

I hope that you will give this great consideration, Mr. President.

Your time is greatly appreciated. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, the First Lady, Sasha and Malia.

Sincerely,

Wayne D. Lewis, Sr.
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President Obama's Response (transcribed):
March 19, 2014

The White House

Washington

 

"Thank you for writing.  Since I toook office, I have brought a relentless focus to creating jobs and restoring opportunity for all.  And thanks to the grit and resilience of the American people, we have a lot to show for it.  Our businesses have created more than 8 million new jobs over the past 4 years, and our unemployment rate is lowere now that at any point since the of 2008.  And companies say the intend to hire even more people in the months ahead."

 

"But even though our economy is getting stronger, too many Americans aren't feeling it yet.  Our job in Washington is to make this recovery real for everyone, and I want to work with Congress to take proven steps to put more Americans back to work right away.  But Americans who need jobs now cannot afford to wait for Congress to act.  Wo whever and wever i can, I am taking steps on my own to expand opportunity for more families.  And I am asking leaders across every sector and every state to join me."

 

"Together, we are launching hubs for high-tech manufacturing that connect businesses to research universities and create durable, American jobs.  We helping small businessess grow and hire by making it easier for them to ship their products all over the world.  I am taking executive action so more businesses can take advantage of our booming energy economy-----oil, gas, and clean energy alike.  These are only a few examples.  You can see more at www.WhiteHouse.gove/Year-Of-Action ."

 

"As America keeps creating jobs, we also need to make sure those jobs pay a fair wage---not just because it's the right thing to do, but also because it's good for businesses' bottom lines.  That is why I raised the minimum wage for workers on Federal Contracts, and I keep pushing for Congress to raise it for everyone.  And to make sure America's workforce has the skills to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow, we are launching an across-the-board reform of our job training programs, and doing even more to guarantee every child access to a world-class education."

 

"Thank you, again, for taking the time to share your thoughts. The bottom line on jobs is that I'm going to keep doing everything I can, every single day, to find new ways to help folks get back to work, and start getting ahead.  I encourage you to follow those efforts ast www.WhiteHouse.gov/Economy"

 

"Sincerely,

 

 

Barack Obama"

 

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My summary of the President's letter/Response:

1.  I received a response.  I expected a response, because whenever I have written a president, they always responded.  I appreciate that much about our govenmernt.

2.  Did he respond to my concern regarding minimiwage?  Yes and no.  Here is how:  Yes, because he referenced minimum wage, and ensuring that every American be paid a decent living wage, in short.

No-because he did not reference the issue of preparing those who may receive an increase in their income how to save or invest their money.

No-because he did not reference how it maybe possible for businesses to increase wages without affecting the economy.

No-because he did not address how businesses are going to be required to increase their wages to their employees, without going up on their goods and services.

 

I want to take this opportunity to thank President Barack Obama and his staff for taking the time to review my concerns and respond.  I don't think that my one letter will cause him to rethink how increasing the minimum wage without affecting small businesses, and the communities that they serve, through possible increase in prices, or possibly laying off some of their employees in order to accommodate wage increases, will cause him to change his mind.  It will be an on-going  battle for small businesses, but not one that will be won with one letter, or one necessarily one person. 

 

Disclaimer:  No part of this letter maybe copied without permission.  Information provided here is deemed to be from reliable sources.  No part of this information should be considered as legal advice, or counseling.  Consult your respective professional regarding your specific concerns.