$15 Minimum Wage ‘Rally’ Fizzles in Pasco [VIDEO]

From the information released by Working Washington, it sounded like it was going to be significant event.  But in reality, it was not.

Granted, when Newstalk 870 stopped by the McDonalds on Court Street, it was less than 40 minutes into the rally. About a half-dozen supporters had joined an SEIU Union Rep (Service Employees International Union) on the sidewalk, displaying a sign that urged support for the $15 minimum wage passed in Seattle recently.

Working Washington claims it was heavily involved in the Seattle process, and promised to bring the "same" fervor and effort to Spokane, Tri-Cities and Spokane.  We don't know how those rallies were faring, but in Pasco, it could honestly be called a "dud." Their press release indicated these rally members in Pasco would then be bussed to Seattle for a larger gathering later today.  They could probably get away with using a mini-van for this group.

The political and social-economic opinions are very different here than in Seattle, where it's easy to "gin" up a few thousand people and have them march, protest, or even riot.  Here - not so much.  Our views are generally much more conservative, and it was reflected by the lack of support for the rally.

However, I did have an cordial and interesting discussion with the SEIU rep, and we agreed to disagree on numerous issues. But he was respectful of my position, and I of his.  We had a good talk for a bit on hot-button issues.

When I asked him to comment on the verified news reports of numerous small businesses closing in San Francisco and Seattle because of inability to meet the wage rising to $15 within two years,  he responded that while "a few" such companies will close, most will not.  In Chinatown alone in San Francisco, 4 grocery stores and 7 restaurants have or are closing, due to the rising minimum wage.

I got the impression $15 minimum wage supporters are ok with "a few" businesses going under for the "good" of entry-level and low-skill job workers.

I also presented him with this scenario:  We all remember growing up, we had 'that' friend who always seemed to have an extra $15-25 bucks in their pocket.  We also had another friend who was always broke, but always expected the 'rich' friend to pay his way into a movie, or buy him a soda.

The broke friends rationale? "You've got money, you can afford it."  I asked him how the mentality of the Working Washington and other $15 wage supporters is different than that broke friend?  He really didn't deny it, but tracked back to his claim that raising the minimum wage boosts the economy.  He did say, gesturing with a glance back the the McDonalds,  they're a big corporation, "they can afford it."

I then asked him to rationalize how just because someone has wealth or is rich, they are required to give it to others who don't have as much.  He responded by saying 'who is going to take care of those who are down and out?' and launched into some spiel about how some workers have to take care of sick relatives and miss work or can't work etc etc.

He dodged the issue of redistribution of wealth, in my opinion.  But, our conversation was good, calm and respectful.  He was a pretty nice guy.  We just disagreed.

Check out our video of the rally Wednesday

But despite the tepid showing at the rally,  many will find it alarming that the $15 minimum wage tentacles are starting to reach into where we live, the Tri-Cities.