I think you're arguing semantics here. Yes, everybody pays FICA, but for most people who are working their own business at a lower income FICA is offset such that no taxes are owed at the end of the year. So while you "pay it", it's not like that means much (insert long discussion here about complex tax systems)
Even if he's "generously" giving them
He doesn't have to give them anything.
I don't understand how you can separate "being subversive" from a discussion of the underlying business model. It looks to me like you're weaseling out, but that's fine. My point was that you must assume some kind of risk -- many times a bushel barrel of risk -- when you are poor and just getting started. It wasn't about labor laws. And whenever you assume risk, there's going to be a bunch of characters coming out of the woodwork telling you how stupid you are for taking on that risk.
As far as the model discussion, I think we've reached the point of diminishing returns. Although you've re-phrased yourself, it appears to me that you are describing some political argument and I am simply talking about business opportunities. I don't think you're ever going to be able to see this business model as anything but exploitative. I think once we mention the words "cleaner" or "lawn care" it sets off a pre-canned argument, probably involving immigrants and such, so this guy really never had much of a chance for positive feedback. Thanks for the chat! Seems like we always get hung up on self-employment, huh? Maybe one day I'll do a good enough job explaining myself that it will click.
I think you're arguing semantics here. Yes, everybody pays FICA, but for most people who are working their own business at a lower income FICA is offset such that no taxes are owed at the end of the year. So while you "pay it", it's not like that means much (insert long discussion here about complex tax systems)
What is the FICA/SECA offset you're talking about here? It is not my impression that maid services don't pay FICA.
I think you're arguing semantics here. Yes, everybody pays FICA, but for most people who are working their own business at a lower income FICA is offset such that no taxes are owed at the end of the year. So while you "pay it", it's not like that means much (insert long discussion here about complex tax systems)
Even if he's "generously" giving them
He doesn't have to give them anything.
I don't understand how you can separate "being subversive" from a discussion of the underlying business model. It looks to me like you're weaseling out, but that's fine. My point was that you must assume some kind of risk -- many times a bushel barrel of risk -- when you are poor and just getting started. It wasn't about labor laws. And whenever you assume risk, there's going to be a bunch of characters coming out of the woodwork telling you how stupid you are for taking on that risk.
As far as the model discussion, I think we've reached the point of diminishing returns. Although you've re-phrased yourself, it appears to me that you are describing some political argument and I am simply talking about business opportunities. I don't think you're ever going to be able to see this business model as anything but exploitative. I think once we mention the words "cleaner" or "lawn care" it sets off a pre-canned argument, probably involving immigrants and such, so this guy really never had much of a chance for positive feedback. Thanks for the chat! Seems like we always get hung up on self-employment, huh? Maybe one day I'll do a good enough job explaining myself that it will click.