...and child labor will "fix" the economy?

Another day, another level of existential dread.

O, that sounds dismal. 

Child labor laws are under review across the nation because of a worker shortage, due in part to overly-strict immigration laws and the global pandemic/ fatalities/ workers deciding they are not kanon-fodder-- children will be "allowed" to do dangerous jobs, work crazy hours, etc. The numbers don't lie: violations of existing labor laws have tripled since 2015, and there are many people in government and industry who would rather reduce the safeties in place than protect children from exploitive and potentially deadly situations. 

We can't have it both ways: either we invest in our children, and in the nation's/world's future, or we make more money for fat-cats who will continue to exploit our children and tank the country for their own benefit. And the "powers that be" will squawk to teachers about plummeting test scores, mark my words. 

This is not about allowing minors the opportunity to develop a good work ethic, nor is it about giving them the freedom to choose to work over, say, playing soccer or being in a school play. We already have those choices, and trust me, I know what the grades look like for many of those kids who are making those "choices." Relaxing (!!) the laws will not create beneficial situations for the kids; yes, they may make some more money, but their education, home life, and social development will suffer. 

I'd rather read Dickens than live it.

Take care,

C