August 21, 2015 2:50 PM

Smith: Cheap, Powerless Labor and the real consequences of Texas GOP Policies

From the Left: Quorum Report’s liberal columnist Glenn W. Smith argues that income inequality and low wages in Texas are the intentional result of GOP policies. The GOP believes income inequality is the solution, not the problem.

Hard working Texans are justified in wondering why they have such a hard time making ends meet. Most feel they are underpaid for the work they do. They feel that way because they are underpaid.

In 2014, 27.8 percent of Texans worked in jobs that don’t pay enough to keep a family of four out of poverty, according to SMU political scientist Cal Jillson, in his book Lone Star Tarnished. These workers have little chance of getting ahead, no matter how many jobs and hours they work every day.

Are growing income inequality and wage suppression accidents, unavoidable consequences of market economics beyond anyone and everyone’s control? Are Texans being slapped by the Invisible Hand, or are they held back by the all-too-visible hands of oligarchs who enrich themselves on the backs of the underpaid?

Michael Lind, a 5th generation Texan and a national political writer of some note, believes it’s the latter. He has written more than once that the goal of Southern politicians is to enforce laws that guarantee “cheap, powerless labor.”

The complete column by Glenn W. Smith is in the R&D Department.

By Glenn W. Smith