I wanted you to know that I have posted an apology on your site and will make one on the radio Tuesday. I am doing so completely independently, not as a result of any directions from management. In fact, I am not sure if management is even aware of the offending comment. Let me say, minimum wage earners are not “stupid or incompetent”. Having worked for minimum wage myself and having family members in similar position, I do not nor have I ever had that view.

I did make the statement you referenced on your site and I apologize for any harm it caused.

I would ask one favor of you, if possible. That would be for you to offer your vocal and socially active readers the opportunity to appreciate the context and rhetorical nature of my intention.

I think the issue of mandated increases in the minimum wage is an important social debate item. While I hold the opinion (and that is all it is) that mandated increases are inflationary, thus wiping out the desired benefits to the recipient, I would love to offer ample time to the other side of that issue. If you have researched this area or know representatives on the pro minimum wage increase side of this issue, please advise me of their contact information - so they can respectfully offer their view on my show.

As to the context of my comments, I am sure you are aware that the point I cloddishly tried to make was simply that despite a series of callers saying that everyone can “lift themselves up from minimum wage jobs if they just tried harder,” I am not sure that is reality. I was asking a rhetorical question and actually joking with my producers about their intellect relative than mine. Pointing out playfully that compensation and intellect are not always duly compensated (as my pay might exceed theirs but they are the brains of my show).

I will apologize for my statement on the air Tuesday. Clarifying that I do not view minimum wage workers as lesser than me. My father who was a union worker and heavy equipment operator started his life working in the coal mines in Southern Colorado. He and my grandparents made a paltry daily wage and polluted their lungs in the process. I believe my father was a far smarter and far more competent man than me. As evidenced by the unintended impressions I can make on the radio.

I look forward to a reasonable discussion with an individual from the opposite side of this social issue. Again I apologize for rhetorically addressing an issue that implies a position I do not hold.