Intelligence Squared U.S. : Should we abolish the minimum wage?
Intelligence Squared U.S. brings Oxford-style debating to America -- one motion, one moderator, two informed and provocative panelists for the motion, and two against. John Donvan of ABC News -- Nightline is the official moderator of Intelligence Squared debates. The debate series takes on the hot-button issues of the day to inform, enlighten and entertain.
The first attempt at establishing a national minimum wage, a part of 1933's sweeping National Industrial Recovery Act, was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1935. But in 1938, under the Fair Labor Standards Act, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law a minimum hourly wage of 25 cents -- $4.07 in today's dollars. Three-quarters of a century later, we are still debating the merits of this cornerstone of the New Deal. Do we need government to ensure a decent paycheck, or would low-wage workers and the economy be better off without its intervention?
Moderator: John Donvan
Speaking for the motion: James A. Dorn, Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Speaking against the motion: Karen Kornbluh, Former U.S. Ambassador, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
Thursday, June 6th at 9pm on 88.9FM