A Modest Proposal

For this assignment, I will be re-writing a letter that was sent to Senator John Kline from one of his constituents, asking the Senator to “live like the rest of us.”

This is the link to that letter: http://www.mnfaireconomy.org/2012/07/constituents-ask-u-s-representative-john-kline-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-live-like-the-rest-of-us/

November 21, 2013

The Honorable John Kline

United States House of Representatives

101 West Burnsville Parkway, #201

Burnsville, MN 55337

Dear Representative Kline,

As you know, the federal minimum wage hasn’t been raised since July 24, 2009. In 2007 you voted against that increase. Since then, our economy has collapsed and more and more of your constituents are struggling economically.  

I am one of those constituents and I am writing to you today to ask that you continue to vote against an increase in the minimum wage. It might be difficult for you to imagine what $290 a week might look like. Because of that, I would love to highlight some of the stimulating challenges of this lifestyle.

I am writing to you today in support of your continuing disapproval of raising the minimum wage. I appreciate that I can rely on you to keep the minimum wage below what data shows to be an inaccurate amount if the rate of inflation over the years were to be considered. Some of those daydreamers would argue that it should be at least $10.74 per hour. However, I am a minimum wage earner and I think the struggle to keep up with rent, tuition, and cost of living is a fun challenge. Some negatively-minded minimum wage earners might say it is impossible. I like to think though, that nothing is impossible. I live for the decision to decide between milk or yogurt for the week – because buying more than one dairy product a week is not in my budget. See, it’s little things like knowing where you stand economically that make life worthwhile.

Some of your constituents must not understand the necessity of a good budget. And by budget I mean sometimes going without luxurious amenities like electricity or following the social rule that you must eat three meals a day.  I say we forget about that large population of minimum wage earners, aka those naysayers, and let the survival of the fittest live through this exciting struggle.

It has been brought to my attention that some of these naysayers have suggested that you live on a minimum wage budget. I, however, think you should continue to live your lifestyle. The lifestyle that is free of struggle and choices. You should continue to be able to afford more than one dairy product a week, for dairy helps build strong bones – and your constituents need a strong representative.

I would like to thank you in advance for you time and consideration. I also wanted to inform you that I do not expect a response. I am merely a minimum wage earner and do not deserve acknowledgement from someone of your economic standing.

Sincerely, and oh so humbly,

Alexandra N. Henderson