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>I agree with you that employers who pay less just because they can is not the right way, but it is the American way".
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>A person needs a job. He is not going to refuse $100,000. But he may need it badly enough that he'll take $15,000. if it is offered.
>This isn't the fault, in any way, of the person needing the job, but rather the fault of the prospective employer.
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Jim, I beg to disagree. This is not American way, this is a capitalist way. Which is a Good way. Otherwise, we would have a Socialism. And Socialism is very bad, believe me, I have seen it. This is what Socialism calls for: paying people the same just because of their needs, not on merits. I am sure you know what I am talking about. It would completely take the incentive of people learning new skills, or improving their skills, or doing a better job. Employer pays someone 15000 because that is what the person is worth.

Let me share with you a true story of a friend of mine. He came to this country the same year I did, 26 years ago. We actually met the exact day I was leaving the old country. Later, about 2 years, I met him again in Boston. He was working for a company doing the lowest pay menial job. A bunch of us would meet, drink, talk about old times, old country, and complain about this or that. But he always said that he saw a possibility to advance in his job if he worked hard and learn new skills. Today he is the President and CEO of that company of 800 people. The only person he reports to is the owner of the company. My friend now is a millionaire and great success. This could never have happened in a socialist system.

I can tell you many stories like this.