Low wages are stalling America’s economy

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — American workers should get a raise. They deserve a raise, and the economy needs it, too.


Low wages are holding us back. Since the official end of the recession more than four years ago, the average wage has barely kept up with inflation, even though workers are more productive and are creating more profits for the owners they work for.




Since June 2009, real average weekly earnings have increased 0.3% per year , even as productivity has increased 1.5% per year. Most of the income gains have gone to the highest paid workers, including the bosses. Real median weekly wages have actually declined 0.8% per year since 2009.

Slow income growth means consumer spending has also grown slowly. Most households are still trying to avoid taking on too much debt (like they did in the 2000s), so they don’t have the purchasing power to buy the additional goods and services that the economy could be producing.

If those additional goods and services can’t be sold, then businesses won’t hire the workers who would produce them, nor will they invest in the buildings or equipment that would be needed.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/low-wages-are-stalling-americas-economy-2013-12-06

I don't want to eat in a Restaurant that pays the Wait staff $2.13 per hr

I need a list of the Cheap Ass Bastards (Restaurant Chains) who only pay the Wait Staff $2.13 per hour because I don't want to patronize any of them

I became enraged when I read this and I REFUSE to spend my money in any establishment that does that to fellow human beings

Fire destroys memorial for Santa Rosa teen

Source: KGO-TV

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- Investigators have concluded a fire at a memorial for a Bay Area teenager killed by a Sonoma County Sheriff's deputy was not arson. The 13-year-old, Andy Lopez, was shot while holding a pellet gun that looked like an assault rifle.


Investigators say there are no signs of an accelerant used to start the fire. Some of the items left on an alter were damaged and by Thursday night people have already replaced some of the things lost. Despite the findings some people are still suspicious.

"You know, I don't know what's going on. It's not right though, I know that," said Deborah Romelli, a neighbor.

The fire that partially burned the memorial to Andy has been raising suspicions.

Read more: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/north_bay&id=9379815