Reddit thread discussing the claim that wages have increased in the United States over the past 18 months. Many commenters argue that this claim is misleading, as the cost of living has also increased significantly, meaning workers are not seeing a real increase in their purchasing power. Some commenters point to the fact that corporations are reporting record profits despite these economic challenges, suggesting that these profits are not being shared with workers. The thread also explores the relationship between minimum wage increases and inflation, with some users arguing that a higher minimum wage will lead to higher prices for consumers. Others refute this claim, arguing that studies have shown that raising the minimum wage does not lead to increased inflation. Overall, the thread highlights the ongoing debate about the state of the economy and the role of government in addressing the needs of working Americans.