Why Raises Are So Scarce

What a shock! Markets are dependant on an equitable flow of incomes to facilitate the purchase and sales of goods and services. As our society has valued a "top-down" economy over the last 30 years, nothing has been done to insure that anything trickles down to the lower income earners, and has created an environment of economic oppression. When George Bush says that he wants to force workers to work lower wage jobs, the only way that can be done is to eliminate better paying jobs. Hence, we have absurdly high unemployment. The failure of trickle down economics is soundly demonstrated by the fact that wall street ananlysts say that companies have the largest cash balances they've had in decades. That doesn't occur if they are paying workers and buying goods and services. When Bush says that he wants to make sure that workers are unwilling to leave jobs, the only way that can be achieved is by eliminating jobs in general and making them so scarce that no one can afford to leave or is too scared to leave. More economic oppression from the topm and a great way to motivate employees (not). Add in poor economic policies that lead to excessive speculation on commodities (like oil) to double prices beyond what the markets determine, and you have an economic disaster. Especially since most of that speculation was fueled by borrowing by the biggest companies. That left very little available in credit markets for consumers and led to the crisis in those markets. Now, wealth is parked at the top, and nothing trickles down unless those few that control most of the money decide they want it to. And is appears they are too short sighted to be able to recognize the hardship it creates on our economy. Finally, why do these companies need all the cash. To buy influence in our broken political system that basicly has corrupted politics. Get the money out of reelection campaigns and in the hands of consumers who drive our economy. Add in two wars that are not budgeted for, and you create the highest increase in the deficit since Reagan. I can only think one thing - Way to go Bushie, you've done a heckuva job! (bankrupting our economy)! And it will be awhile before it recovers. I can only hope we don't digress into another depression.

Ed of NC 10:22AM July 23, 2010

For me, with a family of six and all the free tax refunds the gov't gives out, I would probably be worse off with a raise. The system is messed up as they have removed all incentive for me to increase my income.

Paul of WI 5:17PM July 21, 2010

Just a guess.

Mrs Slick Willie of DC 6:35PM July 14, 2010