OK, while I would hardly say that Ms. McFadden is an impartial observer, she does have some points about the latest FX Networks craze - 30 Days. Like Ms. McFadden, I too feel that much of the show is exaggerated. The episode that comes to mind is the one about trying to scrape by on $5.15 an hour. But unlike McFadden, I actually do know and have known people who live on minimum wages in their perspective states of residency.

Here in Washington State, the minimum wage is $7.35. It’s not very much, but if you are careful, it can be lived on if the person holds down more than one job. How do I know this? Because I have a friend who falls into this category. Luckily, he lives with a roommate, though, so he is only required to have one job to make ends meet.

But what about states like Ohio and Kentucky? Do people in these states really work for a mere $5.15 and hour? You had better believe it! As a matter of fact, I have known people who are actually competing for some of the most remedial jobs you could possibly imagine. It’s truly sad.

When I lived in Kentucky for a time, I was shocked at how little (financially) people live on down there. Yet what is truly amazing is that somehow they manage to do it. Granted, medical expenses and job loss is catastrophic to them (as it can be to anyone). But the reality is that they DO MAKE IT.

[Continue reading Spurlock’s “30 Days” - How Accurate Is It, Really?