Debate Over L.A. Living Wage Plan

Re your Dec. 30 Commentary article on a living wage ordinace, “Yes: It Makes Ethical and Economic Sense,” by Frederick H. Borsch, Leonard I. Beerman and Roy I. Sano:

When three clergymen misrepresent the Bible verse on which they base their argument, what else that they say can be taken seriously? The verse quoted from Deuteronomy obliges an employer to promptly pay the agreed-upon wage. It in no way addresses the amount of that wage.

Costs of labor can be raised without decreasing the demand for it? Either the writers deny the existence of the law of demand, or, in a “water to wine” move, they’ve repealed it. Maybe next week they can demonstrate water running uphill.

Here’s a real-life challenge for these clerics: Double the fees you charge for your labor and see what happens. If nothing would happen, why haven’t you done it? If demand for it would decrease, why is it different for a janitor?

DUNCAN MURRAY

Temple City

* Regarding your pro and con columns on a living wage ordinance: Having read both the pro and con arguments, the affirmative is the most compelling. It is not a time to argue over dollars and cents, but what is the most humane.

It is time the underprivileged have someone on their side. A yes vote for the passing of the living wage ordinance by the Los Angeles City Council would do just that.

LOUIS R. KOZBERG

Los Angeles