This article by Miles Mathis, first published on January 12, 2020, argues that minimum wage statistics reveal the predatory nature of the ruling class and the extreme increase in predation by the upper classes over the past 40 years. Mathis highlights the stagnant minimum wage for tipped employees, which has seen a mere 6% rise in 36 years, drastically devaluing it due to inflation (a 300% increase). This makes it nearly impossible to afford college, which has become ten times more expensive since 1984. Mathis suggests this is intentional, orchestrated by bankers who control the government and Federal Reserve, pushing people into ruinous loans to become wage-slaves.
The author also criticizes the regular minimum wage of hr, noting its lack of enforcement by Feds and many States. He claims billionaires own the government and are content with low wages, preferring to move factories to countries like China where labor is cheaper. Mathis dismisses explanations from sources like Wikipedia that advocate for low minimum wages, asserting that the wealthy simply pay less to keep more for themselves, leading to a significant increase in corporate profits as real wages decline. He points to the substantial wealth accumulation of the wealthy since the 2007 recession, with billionaires quadrupling their wealth twice in 13 years, attributing this to “institutionalized theft” rather than managerial brilliance.
Mathis revisits the minimum wage history, noting it was [[13.40/hr]]. He discusses proposals for a [[25/hr]] based on national prosperity and per capita income, which he calculates could be as high as hr if all wealth were divided equally. He acknowledges that much of the wealthy’s income is hidden offshore in places like Switzerland and the Cayman Islands.
He argues that a [[1 million]] a year, very few identify as Patriotic Millionaires advocating for higher taxes. Mathis believes most wealthy individuals are indifferent to the suffering of the poor, citing their lack of action despite the wealth gap.
Mathis then critiques Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation, accusing them of promoting genetically modified crops (like “golden rice”) and drugs in developing countries, disguising it as aid. He suggests GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, benefits from the Foundation’s funding by promoting the vaccine industry through PR and marketing, allowing companies to profit while treasuries are also “looted.” He believes Gates uses his foundation for self-promotion and investment disguised as philanthropy, and that the lack of regulation allows this.
Finally, Mathis briefly discusses the “Royals flap,” referencing Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down from royal duties and their reported 40 million pounds in savings. He speculates on their motivations, suggesting they want to distance themselves from the Queen and Charles. He also mentions Harry’s mother, diana, and the Spencers as sources of his wealth.