4/12/10: Obama Opens Up New Front in War on American Business

A small, but strategic strike at American corporations from President Bow n' Tax:

At a time when the unemployed are concerned about not only money but also loss of job skills, the Obama administration's top law enforcement officer at the Labor Department, M. Patricia Smith, is looking to come down on companies who give unpaid internships to young people.

Source: Washington Times via HotAir

Seriously?

From M. Patricia Smith's Washington Times editorial:

Basic economics teaches that if the price is raised, demand falls. If companies have to pay wages, they will take on fewer interns. If these youngsters were actually benefiting companies more than it costs to train them, companies would pay them. Profit-seeking companies compete against each other for employees. If untrained students were such valuable workers, firms would gladly offer money to beat out the competitor next door to get them.

Source: Washington Times via HotAir

Ha! Why don't you unionize interns while you're at it?

Of course, this little socialist joyride wouldn't be complete without a healthy dose of hypocrisy:

It is amusing to see the Obama administration creating the image of poorly treated unpaid interns, when Mr. Obama's Organizing for America offered internships to help elect the president during his presidential campaign and still is offering up unpaid internships today. In fact, the summer organizing program also does not even offer food, transportation or housing stipends.

Source: Washington Times via HotAir