Newt Gingrich Challenges the Child Labor Laws

COMMENTARY | Recently, Newt Gingrich spoke at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government about his proposals to change the culture of poverty in America. During this speech, the Republican presidential candidate called the child labor laws "truly stupid" and proposed to "get rid of the unionized janitors, have one master janitor and pay local students to take care of the school." He also stated that "The kids would actually do work, they would have cash, and they'd have pride in the schools, they'd begin the process of rising."

Also in this speech challenging the child labor laws which prevent teens from working until they are a certain age, Gingrich insisted that the "It is tragic what we do in the poorest neighborhoods, entrapping children in, first of all, in child laws, which are truly stupid."

I believe that in some ways, Gingrich is onto something here. Go back a few decades and children did work, they worked in their homes, their farms, their land, or odd jobs to earn money. I believe that many children these days are spoiled by technology (as nice as it can be) and the changing times have created laziness.

If a plan like the one Gingrich suggests were to go into effect. I think it would be an amazing opportunity for children in places where there is no opportunity for them. I'm not saying to let any employer hire children for less than minimum wage, but imagine if approved companies (like the schools) were to sign up for this plan to help children develop a better work ethic while also giving them a decent wage.

I didn't work a job when I was younger, but I did work to earn my keep. I worked hard and knew that whatever I got was because I worked for it. Now, I instill work ethic into my children at home with responsibilities that will help them in adulthood. Also, my oldest daughter worked as soon as she could.

In my opinion, I think Gingrich's plan is a good one. There would obviously have to be some serious rules and protection for the kids and of course it would be voluntary to participate. I would totally let my kids work as a janitor, cleaning their school, if that is what they chose to do. As long as the participating businesses or companies were approved and monitored, why not let them work?

For the reasons I stated above, I do not believe that this would undo all the years of trying to keep children from being exploited. This could work, but every business or company would have to be seriously monitored.