Minimum Wage + 5 Political Party Stances

  The Minimum Wage system was enacted during FDR’s administration in order to help American workers. It is currently set at $7.25 per hour and has not increased since 2009. Many people believe that minimum wage is necessary for workers today and should be increased. Other people believe that minimum wage should remain the same while others think it should be abolished altogether. Minimum wage jobs have traditionally been for gaining experience and not make a living off of. Minimum wage should remain where it is in order to help the economy.

People believe that minimum wage is the cause of poverty. However, less than one in five people earning federal minimum wage live at or below the poverty line. The cause of poverty is not minimum wage but, unemployment. Less than 1 in 25 minimum-wage workers are single parents. If at least one parent in every poor household worked full-time year-round, the child poverty rate in America would plummet by 72 percent. Raising the minimum wage does not address this problem and will not reduce poverty rates.

The role of minimum wage jobs is not for jobs that pay in the present, but for introducing low-skilled workers into the workforce and giving them the skills to advance the economy. Increasing the minimum wage would not help families that live below the poverty line. The way many government programs are structured, a higher minimum wage would not help the neediest of families. The majority of minimum wage earners are 16 to 24 year olds seeking to add to family earnings rather than making it on their own. The benefits of a higher minimum wage would only be reaped by this age group and not by the families that need it most.

A higher minimum wage is not what the poorest American families need. If the minimum wage is raised it might cause businesses to hire less workers. If they hire less workers, they most likely would hire higher skilled workers. This would make it difficult for low-skilled workers, the people who need assistance the most, to find work. The minimum wage system is beneficial for workers in these low paying jobs. However, maintaining the current minimum wage system would benefit them more than a pay raise.  

Democrats believe that minimum wage should be raised. The Democrats proposed the minimum wage to be raised to $10.10 per hour an fluctuate with inflation. Their ideal amount is $10.10 but they also approve of a $15 minimum wage. The Green party also agrees that the minimum wage needs to be increased. However, they do not believe the proposed $10.10 is enough. They believe the minimum wage should be adjusted to a living wage.

Republicans like where minimum wage has been since 2009. Republicans unanimously  voted down the Democratic proposal to increase minimum wage. They also believe competition between companies will increase and, possibly, unemployment will increase. Libertarians also believe minimum wage should not be raised and that it should be abolished. Instead, they would rather the government cut its spending. The Constitution party believes that the government does not have the right to set wages or prices; doing so goes against the principles of individual liberty and the free market.

Works Cited

"The Fair Minimum Wage Act (H.R. 1010)." Committee on Education & The Workforce. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <http://democrats.edworkforce.house.gov/issue/fair-minimum-wage-act>.

"Green Party on Jobs." Green Party on Jobs. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Green_Party_Jobs.htm>.

Jamieson, Dave. "GOP Candidates Resoundingly Reject The Idea Of A Minimum Wage Hike." Huffpost Politcs. N.p., 10 Nov. 2015. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/republicans-minimum-wage_5642a4d5e4b060377346e81e>.

"Libertarian Party Response to President Obama's State of the Union Address." Libertarian Party. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <https://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/libertarian-party-response-to-president-obama%E2%80%99s-state-of-the-union-address>.

Nader, Ralph. "Raise the Minimum Wage: The Democratic Party Sleeps on FDR's Legacy." Common Dreams. Common Dreams, 9 Aug. 2012. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <http://www.commondreams.org/views/2012/08/09/raise-minimum-wage-democratic-party-sleeps-fdrs-legacy>.

Sherk, James. "Raising the Minimum Wage Will Not Reduce Poverty." Poverty. Ed. Roman Espejo. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "A Solution That Won't Work."FrontPage Magazine. 2007. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

"Wage and Price Control." The Constitution Party. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <http://www.constitutionparty.com/wage-and-price-control/>.

Social Security + 5 Political Party Stances

Social Security and Medicaid were programs established during FDR’s administration to support America’s workers in retirement. The system works by paying money into the system while currently employed and then taking that money out in monthly checks in retirement. Many people believe this system will continue to help future generations in retirement. Others believe that this system is broken and will not be around for future generations. Social Security helps millions of people in retirement every year and can continue to help people into the future.

Many people believe the Social Security is going broke. Currently, Social Security could continue to pay full benefits until 2033 without any changes. Even after being being exhausted in 2033 with no changes, it would still be able to pay three-fourths of its benefits from annual tax revenue. Also Social Security payments are very modest. In 2012, the average payment was $1,234 a month amounting to about $14,800 a year. Almost 90 percent of people 65 and older receive payments from Social Security keeping 14 million elderly Americans out of poverty. Without Social Security more than 40 percent of elderly Americans would have an income below the federal poverty line. Some people want to privatize Social Security but that poses financial risks.

Social Security is different from private retirement plans because it fluctuates with inflation and is not subject to financial risks. Private pensions usually are not adjusted or are partly adjusted. Social Security is particularly important to minorities. Social Security payments contribute to 90 percent of income for 42 percent of Asian-Americans, 49 percent of African-Americans, and 55 percent of Hispanics. It is also favorable to women. Women contribute to 41 percent of Social Security payroll taxes but receive nearly half off the benefits. This is due to women generally living longer and having lower earnings.

Social Security has helped American workers in retirement for 80 years. Without it, many elderly people would live in poverty. Private retirement plans pose possible risk to financial crisis. Attempts to privatize Social Security would disadvantage millions Americans across the nation, especially those with lower incomes. People who don't believe the system will last for future generations may possibly be misunderstanding the facts about Social Security. Social Security and Medicaid, as they stand today, can continue to help workers of future generations.

Democrats believe in the preservation of Social Security. They believe the American Dream was built on both Medicare and Social Security. They believe that a dignified retirement is central to the American Dream. These institutions represent an unbreakable commitment to American workers and Democrats have worked to defend them. They have beaten back Republican attempts to privatize Social Security, exposing retirement funds to risk on the eve of financial crisis. Democrats believe that all Americans have the right to a secure and healthy retirement and will continue to fight for these institutions for future generations.

Republicans are against Social Security in the form it is in now. Republicans will argue that Social Security should be done away with. Instead, they believe in major reforms to the system. Republicans believe that workers should be given greater control over their own retirement investments. They believe that young Americans be given the option since many do not believe in the effectiveness of the Social Security system. The Republican party believes that young Americans should not have to put their money into a system they do not believe in when there are other options available.

Libertarians believe retirement planning is the responsibility of the individual, not the government. Libertarians want to phase out Social Security in favor of a private and voluntary system. They believe the proper and most effective source of help for the poor is the voluntary efforts of private groups and individuals. Libertarians believe members of society will become more charitable and society will be strengthened as government reduces its involvement in retirement plans.

The Green party believes in preserving the Social Security system. They want taxable basic income grants, for all, that guarantee an adequate income sufficient enough to maintain a modest standard of living. They want to continue to fund health care, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, and Worker’s Compensation from income and wealth taxes. The Green Party wants the universal Social Security system to ensure that everyone has a modest standard of living above the poverty line.

Constitutionist believe that the Constitution grants no authority to the government to administer a Social Security system. The Constitution party advocates for phasing out the Social Security system while continuing to meet the obligations already incurred. Until the system can be disposed, Constitutionist propose that the Social Security tax not be a rainy day fund for politicians. They advocate for those who have contributed to Social Security, be allowed to withdraw their funds and put it into a private investment system. They also advocate that earning limitations be lifted so that people over age 62 be allowed to make any amount of additional income without their benefits being at risk. The Constitution Party believes in the right of individuals to determine retirement plans through pensions or private retirement options.  

Works Cited

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "Social Security Is a Popular and Effective Program." The Aging Population. Ed. Margaret Haerens. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2014. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Policy Basics: Top Ten Facts About Social Security." 2012. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.

"Platform." Libertarian Party. N.p., June 2014. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <https://www.lp.org/platform>.

"      Platform of the Greens/Green Party USA." The Greens/Green Party USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <https://www.greenparty.org/Platform.php>.

"Republican Views on Social Security." Republican Views on the Issues. N.p., 07 May 2014. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. <http://www.republicanviews.org/republican-views-on-social-security/>.

"Retirement Security." Democrats.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <https://www.democrats.org/issues/retirement-security>.

"Social Security." The Constitution Party. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.constitutionparty.com/social-security/>.

Gun Control + 5 Political Party Stances

Gun violence is a topic commonly seen in the news today. Many people contribute the rise in violence to the accessibility of guns. Others associate it with the restrictions placed on guns. Frequently, the news features stories of accidental deaths due to easy gun access. Naive children and depressed teenagers are dying because of the carelessness of their gun-owning parents. Guns should have tighter regulations in order to prevent more innocent deaths.

Many people say guns are necessary for self-defense. However, guns in homes increase the risk of homicide, suicide, and unintentional injury. Bringing guns into the homes of arguing couples, suicidal teenagers, and curious children will lead to more death. Fewer than one in five murders occur in connections with a predatory crime. The argument of guns protecting women from predatory crime are imprecise. The majority of rape and aggravated assault occurs between people who know each other. Researchers have concluded that there is no benefit to easing restrictions on concealed handguns. In fact, criminals react to changes in the law.

Currently, there is a loophole to purchasing guns at gun shows: a background check is not required. This leads to guns being illegally trafficked to other states. Criminals also seek out straw purchasers to get guns for them which contributes to gun trafficking. If a gun purchased by a straw purchaser showed up in a criminal investigation, the straw purchaser could claim they sold it to an unidentified third party with little risk of criminal culpability. In July 1993, Virginia became the second state in the nation to limit handgun purchases to one gun a month. Before this law, 35 percent of all guns illegally trafficked to the Northeast were from Virginia. After the law, that number fell to 16 percent.

All citizens have the right to a gun due to the second amendment. However, guns need to be regulated in order to protect the lives of law-abiding citizens. If gun restrictions are lightened, more innocent people will lose their lives in avoidable situations. The reasoning of owning a gun for self-defense is understandable. However, that increases the risk for unintentional death. Guns should not be outlawed completely but, should have tighter regulations in order keep America safe.

Democrats believe in upholding the second amendment and that citizens should be allowed to have firearms with reasonable legislation. Democrats understand the consequences of gun violence and advocate for an open conversation about firearms. They believe in effective enforcement of current laws while strengthening background checks. The Democratic Party wants to reinstate the assault weapons ban and eliminate the gun show loophole. They want to enforce mandatory child safety locks and require a photo ID for purchasing guns. They also want to increase the amount of prosecutors who focus on gun crime.

Republicans strongly advocate against gun control. They believe it is every citizen’s right to own a gun due to the second amendment. They believe changes in sociological norms has no bearing on the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. The Republican party believes that gun regulations are largely unconstitutional. Republicans do recognize that not every citizen should have a gun but, the matter should be left up to the states to decide.

Libertarians are against gun control. They believe that gun violence is increased when gun laws are enacted. They also believe that gun control is “victim disarmament”. Armed citizens shoot more criminals than the police but only shoot innocents one-tenth of the time. Citizens act as responsibly, if not more so, than trained law enforcement. Libertarians believe everyone has the right to self defense. The Libertarian Party strongly supports the second amendment and strongly opposes “victim disarmament” disguised as gun control.

The Green party strongly supports the Brady Bill. They advocate for thoughtfully, carefully considered gun control. They also believe that police officers should restrict use of guns and forms of control weapons. The states must pass legislation that limits police possession of control weapons. The Green party wants to extend background checks to all private sales of firearms and eliminate the gun show loophole that allows sales without a background check. They also want increased protection for victims by allowing them to make impact statements.

The Constitution party upholds the second amendment. They believe that the government may not properly infringe on these rights. Constitutionist oppose attempts to prohibit law abiding citizens from ownership. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have them. Guns are needed for the citizen’s protection against criminals. The Constitution party wants to repeal all firearms legislation starting with the Federal Firearms act of 1968. The party calls for the rescinding of all executive orders and any future executive orders that would in any way limit the right to keep and bear arms.

Works Cited

"Democratic Party on Gun Control." Democratic Party on Gun Control. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Democratic_Party_Gun_Control.htm>.

"Green Party on Gun Control." Green Party on Gun Control. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2015. <http://www.ontheissues.org/Celeb/Green_Party_Gun_Control.htm>.

"Gun Control." The Constitution Party. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.constitutionparty.com/gun-control/>.

"Republican Views on Gun Control." Republican Views on the Issues. Republicanviews.org, 28 Dec. 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.republicanviews.org/republican-views-on-gun-control/>.

Ruwart, Mary. "Do Libertarians Favor Gun Control." The Advocates for Self Government. N.p., 16 Oct. 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2015. <http://www.theadvocates.org/libertarians-favor-gun-control/>.

Weil, Douglas. "Gun Control Can Reduce Crime." Guns and Crime. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2000. At Issue. Rpt. from "Gun Control Laws Can Reduce Crime." The World and I (Feb. 1997). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.

Political Test Results and Analysis

I have always thought that I was a conservative person. When I considered certain controversial topics I usually took the softer side. This was when I was younger and did not fully understand political topics. Even now that I am older, I would take the liberal side unknowingly and considered myself conservative. When I took the test, I discovered I lean toward left libertarian. I think the main reason why I considered myself conservative was my lack of understanding of what conservative and liberal actually meant. When I think about the answers I gave about many controversial topics, I realized I was actually more liberal. On the two other test I got a more moderate or centrist result while still leaning left libertarian meaning I feel moderate on many topics. I feel this is very accurate. I don't usually have a strong opinion about anything. When I took one of the test, I usually clicked the other stances button to find a less extreme answer to the questions. I’m not sure what I expected to come out of the test; I wasn’t really sure about political parties prior to this project. I had always heard about Democrats and Republicans on TV especially during presidential elections. I never understood the terms or why they were important. I remember when I was younger, I used to think Democrat and Republican was something that was passed down through culture such as religion. However, after taking these test, I understand a little more about political parties and why they are important. The candidate I aligned with was Hillary Clinton. I didn’t know much about her until she almost ran for president in 2008. After that, I thought it would be really cool if there was a woman president. For some reason, I thought if I had been old enough then I would have voted for her. Now knowing what I know about political parties, I might be a little more inclined to vote in the upcoming election.