What would you consider a "living wage", in the current economy?

[Swede Atlanta]

12. Was this intended in jest?

As a society we need to recognize that a minimum wage means the wage that a wage-earner earns in exchange for their labor. Do we need to have a differentiation between "student" workers (beware of how that is defined) and "permanent" workers? Perhaps. But when we allow businesses to pay and compensate workers below what that worker needs to provide safe and adequate housing, safe and adequate water, safe and adequate food, safe and adequate medical care, etc. this is not what Jesus would do (for those Xtian lurkers).

I realize that an employer of a fast-food restaurant wants to pay workers the absolute minimum but we need to realize that we may need to pay a bit more for our burgers, pizzas, etc. in order to ensure all of us have a level starting point.

The rest of the world does it but oh, wait, we are exceptional. Yes we are exceptional in screwing our own people to benefit our corporate masters.