As of July 2006, the unemployment rate for Alabama was 3.6%. I am amazed at the number of help wanted signs posted at business entrances around town. Anyone who wants to work, can. However, it's pretty tough to compete (as an employer) with the income one can receive from Food Stamps, Aid for Dependent Children, Welfare, and Section 8 Housing. All totaled, I suspect it approaches double the minimum wage.
I'm not even going to pretend I know if you are right or not Quilla, but if you are even close to right that is downright scary.