The concept of a "living wage" has become Orwellian.

It's become a useful term for political gain that nobody will clearly define.

Really, people become particularly offended when you point to an example that contradicts their narrative.

"$18.50 is a living wage."

That was just thrown at me.

Okay, I lived in DC on $13.30 an hour.

Last I checked, I'm still alive.

I made rent and utilities. I paid for gas. I paid for dates. I hit up too many happy hours. I made it work.

If I were making that in Arizona, where I currently work, I would have been better off. If I made that in bum-fuck nowhere America, I would be able to buy a house and a couple cars on that wage.

The narrative of a "living wage" has transformed to a comfortable wage. This has also happened without any addression of variables regarding cost of living or potential ramifications.

Maybe, just maybe, small businesses can't afford $52k a year for a mentally handicapped employee to mop the floors. Maybe, just maybe, a high school drop-out with a criminal record looking for a new start would benefit from an employer taking a chance on him at a lower wage. Maybe, just maybe, adults can make their own decision about what's best for them without the government getting involved.