[vannrox]

.


Man what a Biased article!

But that doesn't cloud that fact that there is a large segment of the society that is unemployed. I wish, like all FREEPERS do, to see this unemployment rate reduced. It is important to remember that, all DEMORAT lies aside, this is a problem that must be addressed and the problem reduced.

Fact. Most of those laid off are in the age group of 35 to 45.

Fact. Most are (were) degreed technical professionals.

Fact. Most are unable to find the kind of work that they have experience in.


Oh, they will get back to work. That can be assured. Whether it is fast food, or coal mining. But they will no longer be writing multi-million dollar proposals or designing automated machinery. This change in career venue will have a serious effect on the families involved.

This fact; that the opinions and views of those affected during this period of time will be altered cannot be under estimated. And, any change in opinion and values will affect a societial viewpoint. One that may or may not be in a Conservative relm. I am sure everyone will agreee, that this psychological change will affect the next election.


It is up to us, as a people, to assure that the effects of this downturn be turned into something beneficial for the conservative political effort, as well as for the individuals involved.


Conservatives should be the people who offer a hand up...and not a hand out. But we should also be the group of Compassion and understanding. We should not let the Liberal elite take this away from us. And harsh-worded FREEPERS should mind well that these people could be your family one day as well.


My point is simple. Acknowledge the fact that there is a serious market downturn and that certain critical positions are not available. (Check out the headhunter sites if you don't agree with me). And, be there with a Compassionate hand up to help our brothers who have fallen on hard times.


.

[Digger]

Maybe they ought to migrate to Mexico or China for a job - since we sent all of ours there.

[babyface00]

There are resources out there, and I wonder how many of the jobless are utilizing them.

Just to list a few...

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/index.htm
http://www.doleta.gov/jobseekers/
http://www.acinet.org/acinet/library.asp?category=1.3

Inexpensive online training
http://www.freeacademy.com/default.php
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/en/main/community.asp
http://homebizwomen.com/online-career-training.html

I'm not saying its easy, but I keep hearing how no one's getting interviews. I wonder what they're doing with all the time that they're on unemployment if they're not interviewing, and they're not working. If there aren't any jobs in your career area, then its time to either start your own business, or find a new career area.

I'm also surprised how many 35-45 year olds were up to their eyeballs in debt, despite making some phenomenal salaries a few years back. Did they really think it would last forever?

One good thing is the housing market is up. It sucks, but if you have to sell your house to live off the equity for awhile, at least its a good time to do it.

My condolences to anyone who is out of work, especially those with families. I hope you will all take advantage of the helping hands that are already being made available to you via unemployment, federal state and local government agencies, and other resources. I also hope you'll remember next election where jobs come from. (hint...its not the government)

[El Gato]

But they will no longer be writing multi-million dollar proposals or designing automated machinery.

They could go to work for the dreaded Military Industrial Complex, if that is the Congress ever gets around to loosing the purse strings for new developement as well as upgrades. The less skilled should be put to work making bullets or packing beans (metaphorically speaking). Most of the increased spending has so far gone to operations, as that is the highest priority.

Other than military and a small amount of public works, such as dams, canals and interstate highways, the rest of it is not really a function of the federal, and in most cases state, governments. Lower taxes will strengthen the economy, just as they did under Reagan. But it will take some time.

[pabianice]

Fact. Most of those laid off are in the age group of 35 to 45.

Have to disagree here. Most of those I know who have been laid off are between 45 and 65. No one will hire any older workers because they don't want to incur any retirement benefits or medical benefits for older people who need more medical care.

[laurav]

Man what a Biased article!

See post 26. This is an op-ed, it's supposed to have a viewpoint. People read the opinion page for opinions, and that's the page Herbert writes for. Complain if he's wrong, or thick-headed or the like, but he's supposed to be "biased."

[Republic of Texas]

Here's a fact. These people will probably HAVE to change careers. They shouldn't expect everyone else to support them so they can look for a job like the one they had. I'm a Realtor. My business cratered for about a year, and I got a job waiting tables during that time. Why can't they? Because they are an engineer? Get a job, any job.

[snippy_about_it]

Yet we continue to import work from India, Pak, China and elsewhere to fill the "supposed" need in tech!

[THUNDER ROAD]

Good Post ! And very well stated points !

.....THUNDER......

[Theyknow]

Of coarse you are right. Thank you. The largest problem is that people generalize from and antidotal evidence. "My cousin Carl started drinking after he was laid off, if the unemployed would stop drinking they could find jobs." "There was a lady who bought lobster in line in front of me the other day, and she used food stamps, therefore the people who use food stamps all enjoy gourmet food." There is no way to persuade people that these are not accurate generalizations, until they need some help. There is no compassion anymore it's every man for himself