Why we need a mandatory living wage:

[Tonus]

It doesn't mean a little bit of welfare is bad, it isn't, but fixing all problems (in this case America's, I'm not American so I might be wrong) by simply taking more from the rich is a sign of econ illiteracy, only someone who likes utopias would defend that.

I think the issue in the USA is that there is a belief that capitalism is best in its "pure" form, where there are clear winners and losers. This breeds an ideology that says that if you're struggling, you're a loser. This breeds a further rationalization that those who lose do so by choice, which means that those who "win" are under no obligation to assist them.

We're a very wealthy nation that can easily afford to modify our economic system to make sure everyone is cared for, without having to grade them on how deserving they are or aren't. I am a strong believer that there are opportunities all around us, and most of what we lack is the will to seek them out and take advantage of them. But that doesn't mean we adhere to an all-or-nothing approach to socio-economic issues.

We can afford to take care of everyone, and I believe that doing so is far better for us in the long run. However it is done, either via a sufficient hourly wage or a minimum living wage for all, it is worth it to do so.