There are no bad jobs now. Any job is a good job,” said Jean Eisen, who became unemployed more than two years ago.Even as the American economy shows tentative signs of a rebound,
, the human toll of the recession continues to mount, with millions of Americans remaining out of work, out of savings and nearing the end of their unemployment benefits.
Economists fear that the nascent recovery will leave more people behind than in past recessions, failing to create jobs in sufficient numbers to absorb the record-setting ranks of the long-term unemployed.
Call them the new poor: people long accustomed to the comforts of middle-class life who are now relying on public assistance for the first time in their lives — potentially for years to come.
What I think about this article is...the global society we currently live in is collapsing around us. The reason for this is that the core philosophies of our societies no longer resonate with the new energies, and a new philosophy is now essential. The axioms of the newly emerging paradigm go far beyond merely 'going green' or reforming the rules that govern corporations or ethical standards in government. A philosophical and humanistic change is taking shape which is to move us, finally, beyond scarcity and limitation into abundance and sovereignty. This mandates a foundational reordering of our society. We need to become more and more aware of our innate need to care for each other, as we witness our growing distress at the alienating and degrading social codes under which we live. These unsatisfactory constraints, intrinsic to our society, are beginning to break down, as demonstrated by the recent, ongoing crash of our financial and economic system. The need for 'something quite new' grows more urgent by the day!
I cannot even imagine the pain and probable shame that a lot of these people must feel. While there really is no shame in having to look to the government for assistance, a lot of these individuals have never had to before, and I would bet that a lot of them never even considered that they would ever have to.
ReplyDeleteI wish that there was a simple and definite answer in regards to how and when the US economy will get back on its feet.
I agree with ali that there are many people who have not abused the system and are coming to the government for assistance now because they need it. Some of them feel ashamed that they are now in need of their government even though they shouldnt necessarily be ashamed if the NEED it. I just hope the economy keeps showing the signs of recovery and recoers soon so that these people can get back to supporting themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe first quote, although true, is quite sad. My grandpa planned on retiring towards the end of the year. However, due to our poor economy, the company he had worked for for years, had to let him go. At a time like this, looking to the government for assistance, must not be considered a “bad” thing, or even something to be ashamed of. If it is necessary, then it is necessary. I also agree with the final statement, “The need for something quite new grows more urgent every day.” Of course, I don’t know what would help, but it is necessary that we do something..
ReplyDeleteWow, this blog is getting deep. I agree that we need to look out for each other, much of that in the form of government assistance programs. But where will that money come from if people keep losing jobs? We need to find more ways for people to get jobs. A
ReplyDeleteI am sure it is embarrassing filing for financial assistance, but it is so popular and needed right now. People just can't do for themselves right now, and seek help in any way they can find it. People shouldn't feel ashamed acquiring help from the government, it isn't there fault that the economy is not where it should be. In fact more people should take help from the government.
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ReplyDeleteGovernment assistance has always had a negative stigma associated with it. It was most notably seen as welfare assistance given to people of poor urban communities. I'm sure many would agree that it no longer carries such a negative stigma.Once middle class and well off people are now down at the Department of Human Services waiting to apply for medical and food assistance. It's really hard for people to find jobs and so desperate times call for desperate measures.
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