Why don't liberals understand the minimum wage

NYT columnist Bob Herbert has a very moving column about the problems poor American teenagers have finding jobs.

Herbert correctly points out that having a job doesn't just give you money because with a job "kids develop a clearer understanding of the value of education and are more likely to stay in school. The heightened sense of self-worth that comes from gainful employment can be a bulwark against negative peer pressure. Contacts are made and a work history established."

Unfortunately, in a May 2007 column Herbert argued for an increase in the minimum wage. How can Herbert, and many other liberals, not comprehend that a minimum wage reduces the number of jobs available to teenagers? If a firm such as McDonald's must pay a higher salary to employees then it will, for example, install dish washing machines and hire fewer human dishwashers

Anyone who advocates for a higher minimum wage has no right to complain about teenage unemployment.