At the risk of sounding non-compassionate, I want to share some thoughts on the economy. I work in the consulting field. I have been there for a long time. It is a field filled with folks that are very accomplished academically. I have yet to meet an out of work Ph.D., an out of work MBA, an out of work MD, DO, PA, or an out of work DDS. I have yet to meet an out of work MSN, BSN, RN, or even CNA; or an out of work person with an EE or ME undergrad degree. When I see studies comparing unemployment to academia; it is clear that the only people being hit are those who either never finished high school, never finished college, or picked a college undergrad in something frivolous like music appreciation or art appreciation. I have a hard time feeling sorry for someone who poorly planned out their lives. How can I feel sorry for someone who drops out of high school and then can't find a job working in a coal mine or at a carpet mill because manufacturing is leaving USA or coal is no longer being used for power generation?
Thanks Snappo, and sorry it took so long to reply, but as a truck driver, I go out away from the computer for a couple of days at a time....I can post from my phone, but only shorter postings...I'd like to address this post from you, and since you made several points, I'll take each one separately if that's ok...
1. Your personal experience, although useful for you in your area, not so much as an indicator for the nation. Not trying to be snarky here, but there is story after story on the net about today's graduates moving back home, no jobs, taking jobs at Walmart, or McDonalds because they can't get into their field, or that their student loans are so costly they don't have a choice but to move home with mom and dad...
2. Not everyone is cut out for college. You mention dropping out of High School, and on that I agree with you completely. But, since we are talking anecdotally here, allow me to give you a circumstance of mine...I have three young adults living with me right now. 1. my daughter is working full time, and going through nursing school doing well. 2. My son who tried to go to college, had problems and re assessed, and is now working full time at WalMart, and considering a trade school like Welding, or Plumbing to get into. 3. We also have a niece living with us, that after taking a course to certify her as a Medical Assistant, hates the profession, and is working a factory job making parts for BMW.
So, that's two out of three that are just not cut out to get through college, would you callously just shrug them off too?
You can't find a job working in a coal mine because Obama and progressives are initiating regulations that are choking off coal, and costing those already working in those mines their jobs. Carpet mills? Are you kidding? I live in SC, which used to be a textile hub for the nation, and export, now all but gone!
A new report today shows 90 million are just GONE from the work force participation. That is the worst I think I have ever seen. So, before the next Obamaphile comes in here and touts the great recovery, they need to remember this fact....The falling unemployment is phoney, and false.