Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Is It Genetic?

Megan McArdle, the mathematical genius, reveals a bit about both herself & all the glibertarian "Taxes, waaaaaaah, too hard, & coercion, too!" element:
My mother actually paid taxes for her cleaning lady, and it was not only expensive, but an administrative nightmare--somehow, the numbers never added up right, the paperwork got lost, etc.
Oh goodness, it was "expensive" too. The horror.

Other notes of genius:
Many middle class people could probably afford to pay about $500 a month, plus a room and some food, for someone who would take care of all the housework, all the time. But how many Americans would work for such a sum?
"Some" food. That third meal will be granted if the silver is especially shiny.

Assuming the silver hasn't been stolen, possibly to allow the servant to buy some food.
5. Labor saving devices Servants were often standing in for things that machines now do more cheaply, and without stealing the silver.
All of which goes to prove that there is no oligarchy.

3 comments:

Glennis said...

$500 a month, plus a room and some food, for someone who would take care of all the housework, all the time. But how many Americans would work for such a sum?

Wow! a return to the 19th century, when the chambermaids and footmen live abovestairs in the attic servants' quarters! Do you suppose the maids will get their one half-day out a week?

M. Bouffant said...

Labor Editor:

We doubt that even immigrant nannies/housekeepers will work for $500.00/mo., room & adequate food.

Give it a couple more yrs. of the current economic slump 'though.

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

She's a moron/caricature, but I bet all the Atlantic cares about is the daily page views.

From a source I consider reliable, that is why Charles Krauthammer is untouchable at the Washington Post.
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