A government forcing you to give up part of your hard earned wages under threat of imprisonment, so they can decide where it goes to help people, is not CHARITY. I would be willing to help others so much more if it weren't for the fact that the government probably uses about 1 cent out of a dollar of taxes (if that) to actually do any good for people in need.
As for minimum wage....it was first created - did that stop poverty? No. It has been increased several times - did that stop poverty? No. What makes you think that any changes to the minimum wage are going to do anything to help people this time? 10 - 15 years ago there was a labor shortage and fast food places were offering double the minimum wage of the time to get people to come in and work. The influx of millions of "undocumented workers" and a bad economy where the government it sticking its nose in all over the place is the problem with the demand for employees. Kick out those who snuck into this country illegally and watch the wages go up for those willing to work. You might actually see teens getting summer and after school jobs, putting some money away for college and learning some valuable life skills and work ethics. Reduce regulation on businesses and let them offer their own benefits packages rather than being forced to use some government bullshit. Basically, like with anything the government tries to do, get the hell out of the way and let it take its course! Everyone brings up Cosco vs Walmart as an example of a business prospering by paying its employees the way it wants to. Let it continue and let walmart go out of business and let cosco prosper then. Why does anyone need to get in the way?
I've had breakfast...But I'm willing to come along for the company and conversation....and a couple of beers.