[anamax]

> On another note: I think minimum wage should be much higher; say, $20/hour. This may not sound like a good idea, but think about it: it should be high enough that a freeloader has serious economic incentive to get off his ass and look for work! Another way to look at it is: I would much rather pay more for something, and have that extra money directly go to a worker's pocket; than route the money circuitously through government taxes, bureaucracy, non-profits, etc. to that person on welfare.

How about work as the incentive?

We have crappy parks and yet we give money to folks who don't work. That shouldn't be.

And don't give me "they can't afford day care". For every group of four parents on aid, one does day care for the other three while they work.

Crappy jobs are the best incentive.

[ajays]

> How about work as the incentive?

Here's how I look at it. You can either apply force (by making the urban poor work at some crappy job) ; or you can apply attraction, and have them move themselves (by offering a significant economic incentive to work). Ye old carrot and stick solution. :)

I believe the former (stick) has been tried many times, and it doesn't work quite as well. People just don't like others telling them what to do.

But by giving a significant incentive (a carrot), you make the person themselves affect change; and it is more sustainable.

Anyways: these are just ideas that I'm hoping can spur some discussion. Looking at the number of urban poor, the current system isn't working.

[anamax]

> You can either apply force (by making the urban poor work at some crappy job)

I'm not suggesting applying force. I'm saying that they only get money for doing crappy jobs. If they don't want to do the crappy jobs, fine, but no money.

> Looking at the number of urban poor, the current system isn't working.

The current system rewards bad behavior.