[WilliamofCarmichael]

The ultimate - and more challenging - solution to a shortage of laborers may not be illegal immigration or even guest workers, but higher wages, a change in entitlement eligibility laws or a return to our own former positive attitudes about hard, physical work.

"higher wages" - the quaint notion that supply and demand applies to labor?

How odd. Though I seem to recall an econ course I took almost fifty years ago -- supply and demand principles did apply to labor. I know, I know. I'll see if I can find the textbook.

Thank goodness we've advanced into globalism and a worldwide glut of labor -- and it's so cheap! Not only in terms of labor but that old-fashioned sovereignty thingy -- and who needs that "nation of laws not men" stuff?

[WilliamofCarmichael]

RE: higher wages: supply and demand principles used to apply to labor

Well, I guess it still does. But there's something new today.

There’s always been a worldwide glut of labor though not as well educated as some are today.

But we could not get to it. There was no labor arbitrage and savvy people of the bygone era had not advanced enough to accept, "Laws?! We don’t need to enforce no stinkin’ immigration laws."

This "the way it is" moment from WoC news service:

Corporate executive praises today’s military volunteers as the best-motivated, brightest, best educated youths in a long, long time. "They are terrific! Their bravery and patriotism are just astounding. They are protecting America and America’s foundation: the American business community. I just wish we could afford to hire them when they get back. But we can’t and still compete. The American worker has become too demanding. . . ."

[lucysmom]

...a return to our own former positive attitudes about hard, physical work.

Unfortunately, a positive attitude to hard physical work also means paying the worker enough so that he can live indoors, and not depend on soup kitchens and food banks to eat.