Letter: Part of being American is caring for our citizens

Editor,

I am appalled at the lack of compassion Mark Erasmus has for his fellow citizens who are less fortunate than himself.

How long has it been since Erasmus has had to work a minimum wage job and try to survive on that pay? I doubt that he ever has, or he might remember how difficult it was.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to get a higher education, which would allow them to seek jobs that offer more than minimum wage. It seems rather ignorant that so many of the privileged feel that raising the minimum wage would constitute giving someone more than they are entitled to. As for the argument that businesses would then have to raise prices - we have all heard that one - just think for a minute. If poorer people had more money, I would just bet my life that they would spend it.

Those who make more than minimum wage keep using these arguments as an excuse to pay less than a living wage. Grow up, people. Start to think of someone other than yourselves for a few minutes, and maybe this whole country could be what it once was.

I am so ashamed that so many so-called Americans forget that part of being a citizen in our country is about seeking justice for everyone. Where is the justice when a person has to work two or more jobs at minimum wage to provide for his or her family?

Not all of us have the privilege to earn more than minimum wage. Those of us who do should learn to step outside ourselves once in a while. Does a college education teach one to be ignorant and self-serving? I am beginning to wonder.

Yolanda Nieto

UNM staff