This was my last major welding project, 23 years ago.
Posted on 11/11/2015 3:08:41 PM PST by conservativejoy
Rubio: 'We need more welders and less philosophers'
At Fox Business Network's Republican presidential debate, Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) argued that increased vocational training and other measures would be more effective at helping American workers than raising the minimum wage. (Fox Business Network)
During the fourth Republican debate, Marco Rubio picked up a point touched on by Rick Santorum in the undercard debate earlier in the night. 'Welders,' Rubio said, 'make more money than philosophers.' Post Fact Checker Glenn Kessler looked at the idea, but we thought it could use a visual.
Using data from the Web site PayScale, we can look at the introductory and median incomes of both professions. In 2008, philosophy majors started at about $40,000 a year — about the same as what the Bureau of Labor Statistics says first-year welders make.
But over the longer term, philosophy majors make more. Mid-career welders make $22 an hour, according to PayScale, compared with over $80,000 for philosophy majors.
Santorum's point was that there were a lot of welder positions available, which is a very fair point. Philosophy majors may make more — but if you can't get a job, that won't do you much good.
I would wager a good percentage of ordained ministers/priests/clerics started out as Philosophy majors at the undergraduate level before going to seminary or divinity school...
Welders create things that benefit Mankind, Philosophers teach other Philosophers not be become Welders.
My own theory is that Trump is paving the way for Cruz to become the nominee. He has no desire to be president, but I truly believe that he loves America and is very concerned about where we have devolved into. I predict that Bush will withdraw from the race by next month. Carson has no chance because he really is just out to lunch. Kasich is there to just shrill for Bush. Florin, while a good speaker, smart, and confident, is an alternate GOPe candidate.
Cruz is our next Ronald Reagan. I believe that he will annihilate Hillary in any debate and will be a wonderful president.
If not, I think we will die as a nation. That will be the final blow. Having been raised by depression era grandparents who instilled in me a love of country and the importance of hard work and faith, I am glad that they are not here to see what our country has become. It would make them cry. I grew up being proud of my country. I was told that I could become whatever I wanted as long as I worked for it. And I have done that. All on my own. Taking a handout was considered shameful. Even if you were down on your luck, but that’s where the local community and churches came in. To help those truly in need.
Guess I am an undocumented philosopher here on FR.
That’s cool. Did you teach or have another vocation?
Thank you, FRiend.
This was my last major welding project, 23 years ago.
People with BA’s in Philosophy make 80K a year? I don’t believe it.
I don’t believe it, either.
Nice boat. Reminds me of a book I read about a guy refurbishing a sailboat. Can’t remember who the author was. Good book. You should read it.
“What we need is fewer immigrants.”
Yes! Then pay would increase in ALL the trades!
Modern philosophy is highly technical and mathematical. This background suits a lot of well-paid professions. Most philosophy majors are highly intelligent and willing to submit to rigorous mental discipline, so they are ready to work hard at difficult tasks.
“I agree. It is so obvious the gopeeeee has their new backup candidate (Rubio) picked out with all the clamoring about his supposed numbers going up. Its bullshite and nothing more.”
I don’t believe he is their backup candidate. I’m pretty certain he’s been their number one all along.
The hottest job in summer and the coldest in winter.
Tell it, LOL
Welders are typically not done by migrant workers. A decent welder can quickly begin to make $20 an hour and easily get up to $30/hour. They will be in heavy demand for many many years to come.
Where is that? Not when I was living in SoCal. THere, anything outside of giant corporations with govt union contracts was done by illegals.
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