The New Yorker: Why Cruz, and the G.O.P., Lost to Trump

[Ultralight]

I know it ain't nothin' but a yankee rag, but the article is interesting and insightful.

Thoughts?

http://www.newyorker.com/news/amy-davidson/why-cruz-and-the-g-o-p-lost-to-trump

[Lainey]

I think the answer is "protest vote." But have you seen Trump's interview with the NY Times on foreign policy? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/27/us/politics/donald-trump-interview-highlights.html

And just on immigration alone, his ignorance is staggering. He doesn't seem to be aware that most "illegal aliens" got here by plane, then overstay their visa, not by walking across the Mexican desert.

[JaneV2.0]

I think the answer is "protest vote." But have you seen Trump's interview with the NY Times on foreign policy? http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/27/us/politics/donald-trump-interview-highlights.html

And just on immigration alone, his ignorance is staggering. He doesn't seem to be aware that most "illegal aliens" got here by plane, then overstay their visa, not by walking across the Mexican desert.

And, has been pointed out by countless people, our (crappy) service economy is hugely dependent on poorly-paid undocumented workers. If we somehow booted them all out overnight, we would be reeling from the consequences.

[Alan]

And, has been pointed out by countless people, our (crappy) service economy is hugely dependent on poorly-paid undocumented workers. If we somehow booted them all out overnight, we would be reeling from the consequences.Would that be a different sort of reeling than a mandatory $15 minimum wage?

[JaneV2.0]

Would that be a different sort of reeling than a mandatory $15 minimum wage?

So far, the local media up here reports, rising wages have had no effect at all on prices. They should be a boon to the local economy, though.
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/economy/is-seattles-minimum-wage-killing-jobs/
The conservative press is collectively pearl-clutching over the very notion of paying fairer wages, as they have every time minimum wages have inched upwards. Time will tell, I guess.

[Alan]

So, the reeling effect of losing poorly paid immigrants in the service industry is different?

[Williamsmith]

I used to work at a local golf course. Seasonal work. They have been paying the same minimum wage for the last ten years. Now the cost of living, taxes and inflation has risen every year along the way. So in effect wages have been decreasing automatically every year. And of course the fees for golfing have risen but not the wages. When does the trickle down begin to trickle?

[JaneV2.0]

So, the reeling effect of losing poorly paid immigrants in the service industry is different?

I think the loss of millions of people working for substandard wages would have a catastrophic effect on some industries that will have to scramble to replace them. Some of those jobs--especially agricultural--might remain open indefinitely. Maybe we could bribe prospective replacement workers by offering them $15 an hour. Is that what you're getting at? >8)