Right, well im not sure where the current concensus stands on the minimum wage argument, but I would like to say this: It has gone up, but im not sure if it is more or less than what it has been historically relative to inflation. Having said that it IS there to ensure a standard of living, that doesn't have to be a good one, unfortunately (Im a capitalist btw, probably relevant!) if we were to raise minimum wage to a level rivalling that of a "middle-class income" (im not sure what people consider middle-class though) i'm relatively sure that would cause a somewhat large amount of inflation, which isn't really good for anyone on an average day. Now i'm not against raising the minimum wage, but i'm a bit wary as to what will it might cause. I'd also like to say that I think unregulated business (for the most part) is best business, I support Laissez-Faire, and although I don't think raising minimum wage is getting "too involved", the government only needs to protect our right to the pursuit of happiness (this is obviously from an American standpoint, I really don't know about other kinds of governmental idealogies) not hand people happiness. Happiness costs alot of money and we're already in deep dept. I just think raising the minimum wage right now might be a step in the wrong direction however large or small of step that is.