It's really hard to know what to believe today when it comes to politics. For example, how many Americans are unemployed? Government reports give a monthly figure, which talk show hosts hotly dispute. The answer is out there, but we the people may never know it for sure. Like many other things, we may be left with a subjective view of economic reality.
Reports say that there are about 250,000 unemployed each month. However, since this figure is based on how many people apply for benefits, this may not truly reflect the actual number. Perhaps the report should cite how many are actively seeking a job and applying for benefits when unsuccessful. Those who have given up looking for a job they want to do go uncounted.
'Jobs created' is another, related figure that many distrust. For example, some government jobs last only a few weeks or months. Then the worker is 'laid off', only to be rehired in a few weeks for the same (but now 'new') job. This happened during the census, when hourly workers were terminated and then recalled periodically throughout the program.
The 'labor participation' numbers are revealingly low. It is reported that there are the same number of workers now as in the 1970s. This obviously has not kept pace with the growing population and is an indicator of high unemployment and a correspondingly weaker economy.
The increase in those on public assistance gives support to the idea that a lot of people are unemployed or under-employed. There are more people on food stamps than at any other time in our history. People who have a job generally can feed themselves. Of course, reform would probably decrease these numbers; currently food stamps can be used for other purposes than food. People can even turn them in for cash.
The 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows show that this is not a 'Great Depression' situation. Many jobs simply don't appeal to those looking for work. However, most feel that any work is better than depending on the government, which is essentially living off taxpayers.
Politics twist the real figures. Current leaders want to show that their policies are working. Opposition wannabes want to persuade voters that they would be better off with a change at the top. Sometimes it's interesting to compare reports, like a low GDP number or productivity figure with a glowing report on the strength of the economy. The 'deficit' may be going down, but the 'debt' is going up. No wonder the average person feels betrayed by those he or she should be able to trust.
Most jobs are created and sustained by small businesses, which have neither increased or expanded much in almost a decade. This may be the most significant way to gauge the plight of the American worker. Many believe that the true number of unemployed workers is much greater than indicated.
Reports say that there are about 250,000 unemployed each month. However, since this figure is based on how many people apply for benefits, this may not truly reflect the actual number. Perhaps the report should cite how many are actively seeking a job and applying for benefits when unsuccessful. Those who have given up looking for a job they want to do go uncounted.
'Jobs created' is another, related figure that many distrust. For example, some government jobs last only a few weeks or months. Then the worker is 'laid off', only to be rehired in a few weeks for the same (but now 'new') job. This happened during the census, when hourly workers were terminated and then recalled periodically throughout the program.
The 'labor participation' numbers are revealingly low. It is reported that there are the same number of workers now as in the 1970s. This obviously has not kept pace with the growing population and is an indicator of high unemployment and a correspondingly weaker economy.
The increase in those on public assistance gives support to the idea that a lot of people are unemployed or under-employed. There are more people on food stamps than at any other time in our history. People who have a job generally can feed themselves. Of course, reform would probably decrease these numbers; currently food stamps can be used for other purposes than food. People can even turn them in for cash.
The 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows show that this is not a 'Great Depression' situation. Many jobs simply don't appeal to those looking for work. However, most feel that any work is better than depending on the government, which is essentially living off taxpayers.
Politics twist the real figures. Current leaders want to show that their policies are working. Opposition wannabes want to persuade voters that they would be better off with a change at the top. Sometimes it's interesting to compare reports, like a low GDP number or productivity figure with a glowing report on the strength of the economy. The 'deficit' may be going down, but the 'debt' is going up. No wonder the average person feels betrayed by those he or she should be able to trust.
Most jobs are created and sustained by small businesses, which have neither increased or expanded much in almost a decade. This may be the most significant way to gauge the plight of the American worker. Many believe that the true number of unemployed workers is much greater than indicated.
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