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First, you will know more about the minimum wage than more than 99% of the world.

More than that: you will know more about economics in general than that same 99%. Because the fundamental economic truths about the minimum wage that you are about to encounter apply to so many other issues as well. And to understand economics is to understand the way the world works.

Still more: you will never watch TV news, read the newspaper, or listen to politicians in quite the same way again.

This book is full of revelations. Every page has insights, facts and perspectives that most people have never encountered or considered.

Here's just some of what you will learn:

" What politicians know about the minimum wage that keeps them from raising it no more than a small amount at a time.

" A fascinating economic proposal that would enormously benefit the working poor in America. (Hint: it's not the minimum wage.)

" What percentage of minimum wage earners actually support families on their salary.

" The fatal flaws in one of the most widely cited economic studies in defense of the minimum wage.

" Why racist South African labor unions supported minimum wage laws for black workers.

" What groups secretly benefit from the minimum wage. (Hint: it's not the poor and the unemployed.)

" How the minimum wage renders racism cost-free.

" What socioeconomic group is in a minimum-wage-caused full-blown economic depression -- right now.

" Whether or not the minimum wage law is actually a "victimless crime" law.

" What happened to elevator operators and movie ushers -- why they have virtually disappeared.

" Why businesses don't pay everybody just the minimum wage, and why they already pay most people well above that.

" How minimum wage laws give doctors, lawyers, executives, artists, college students and other people privileges and opportunities that are legally denied to unskilled workers.

...and that's just a taste of what awaits you inside.

For two decades the Advocates has worked to take the ideas of liberty to the world. As part of this, we've put hundreds of articles on economic topics at our Web site.

Of all those articles, a short article on the minimum wage by Jim Cox has been the single most in-demand. Students, business people, candidates, voters, and others are hungry to understand this vexing, confusing, but so-important issue.

Now Jim Cox has done us all a tremendous service. He has produced this short, wonderfully concise, easy-to-read and easy-to-understand exploration of this issue.

Jim is highly qualified to do this. He combines an economist's knowledge of the subject with a master teacher's ability to communicate. And the presentation is made all the more compelling by his passion for liberty and his compassion for the impoverished and unskilled workers who are victimized by this misguided government policy.

If you ever plan to talk with others about free-market ideas, you're likely to be asked about the minimum wage. After reading this booklet, you'll know the answers - and you'll have the facts at hand to make a persuasive case.

Whether you're a student of economics, a would-be candidate for public office, or just curious, the author of The Concise Guide to Economics now gives you a "concise guide" to this very important subject.

Please also read Jim's article, "The Ugly Truth about the Minimum Wage."

The Advocates for Self-Government is proud to publish this enlightening and thought-provoking work.


About the Author: Jim Cox is an Associate Professor of Economics and Political Science at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta. He is the author of The Concise Guide to Economics, and has published articles in The Orange County Registers, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Creative Loafing, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and others.

40 pages
Trade-paperback-size Booklet
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