The main focus of this episode is the growing challenge of hiring for low-wage jobs, particularly in the restaurant industry, amidst shifting immigration policies and labor demands. Over the past decade, we've seen the American right advocate for reduced immigration while the left pushes for higher minimum wages, resulting in a complex economic landscape. The conversation highlights how these opposing forces have led to fewer available workers for entry-level positions, such as dishwashing, making it difficult for restaurants to fill these roles. As you consider the implications of these changes, it's important to recognize that we are not just experiencing a divide between two Americas but rather a multitude of realities within our nation, all grappling with the future of work. I encourage you to reflect on how these dynamics play out in your own community and what they mean for the workforce moving forward.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Wall Street Journal
• Wendy's
• Walmart

Links referenced in this episode:

• jamesabrown.net

This is the Daily note from jamesabrown.net over the last decade, the American right pushed for less immigration while the left demanded a higher minimum wage.

Both won.

Put those realities in a blender and you get headlines like this one from the Wall Street Journal.

Restaurants are finding it harder than ever to hire someone to wash the dishes.

Those jobs are often under the table or entry level employment.

And if you're worried about ice or could make close to 20 bucks or more at Wendy's or Walmart, you'd be a fool to do it.

And with all this, I can't help but think about John Edwards, who used to say that we live in two Americas.

He was right and wrong because we live in many Americas, but one nation in a continuous trench warfare for tomorrow.

In this case, a tomorrow with fewer dishwashers.

On that note, I'm James A.

Brown, and as always, be well.