There are many different theories on the state of the economy. One of the most controversial is the answer to 'How many Americans are unemployed?' Government figures are vigorously denied by talk show hosts and upheld by major media outlets. The average American may feel that the truth is unattainable. Therefore, each citizen may have their own subjective opinion.
The government says roughly 250,000 citizens of working age are unemployed during any month. This figure is based on how many people register at the unemployment offices. A more accurate way to classify this number might be, 'How many Americans are actively seeking employment?' This means that all those who have given up the search for a job go uncounted.
People distrust other numbers as well. 'Jobs created' is an important way to evaluate government policies and their effectiveness. However, this number can be skewed by policies that terminate and rehire workers for the same job. This happened on the census: people were hired and then terminated as each phase of the program was finished. Then they were recalled for a 'new' job. This is also routine in other federal jobs, such as contract workers in law enforcement.
Some commentators point to 'labor participation' numbers. They say the number of people working is the same now as it was in the 1970's - a decline of significant proportions from ten years ago. It only makes sense that this fact (if true, of course) would indicate a high level of unemployment. The population of the country has grown by natural increase, and there are many more immigrants than in former years. The labor force would have to be much greater to have kept pace with the added population.
The increased number of people on public assistance also leads one to believe in high unemployment. People with a job can generally feed themselves, but there are more people on food stamps than ever before. Of course, this increase may be partly due to more leniency in the program and consequent abuse. People can use food stamp money for more than food now; they can even turn it into cash.
Unlike during the Great Depression, there are jobs going begging. 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows show that there is at least some work available in cities and towns. However, this sort of work may not appeal to college graduates or support an entire family. Those who went jobless in the 1930s, however, would have jumped at the chance for any work at all.
Politics, of course, is behind conflicting reports on the state of the American worker. The current administration wants people to think the economy is strong and citizen are well off. The opposition wants voters to think that current policies have failed and that things could be much better with a change at the top. It would be nice to think that government figures are accurate, but it's also interesting to listen to those who call those figures twisted. For instance, when the productivity numbers go down but officials claim the economy is growing, it raises a question.
Look at small business if you want a reliable indicator. Most jobs are created and sustained by local independent entrepreneurs. In fact, some commentators say that 70% of all our jobs are found in small businesses. It's pretty clear that this vital sector of the economy isn't expanding. Therefore, maybe there really are thousands more people not working than government reports tell us.
The government says roughly 250,000 citizens of working age are unemployed during any month. This figure is based on how many people register at the unemployment offices. A more accurate way to classify this number might be, 'How many Americans are actively seeking employment?' This means that all those who have given up the search for a job go uncounted.
People distrust other numbers as well. 'Jobs created' is an important way to evaluate government policies and their effectiveness. However, this number can be skewed by policies that terminate and rehire workers for the same job. This happened on the census: people were hired and then terminated as each phase of the program was finished. Then they were recalled for a 'new' job. This is also routine in other federal jobs, such as contract workers in law enforcement.
Some commentators point to 'labor participation' numbers. They say the number of people working is the same now as it was in the 1970's - a decline of significant proportions from ten years ago. It only makes sense that this fact (if true, of course) would indicate a high level of unemployment. The population of the country has grown by natural increase, and there are many more immigrants than in former years. The labor force would have to be much greater to have kept pace with the added population.
The increased number of people on public assistance also leads one to believe in high unemployment. People with a job can generally feed themselves, but there are more people on food stamps than ever before. Of course, this increase may be partly due to more leniency in the program and consequent abuse. People can use food stamp money for more than food now; they can even turn it into cash.
Unlike during the Great Depression, there are jobs going begging. 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows show that there is at least some work available in cities and towns. However, this sort of work may not appeal to college graduates or support an entire family. Those who went jobless in the 1930s, however, would have jumped at the chance for any work at all.
Politics, of course, is behind conflicting reports on the state of the American worker. The current administration wants people to think the economy is strong and citizen are well off. The opposition wants voters to think that current policies have failed and that things could be much better with a change at the top. It would be nice to think that government figures are accurate, but it's also interesting to listen to those who call those figures twisted. For instance, when the productivity numbers go down but officials claim the economy is growing, it raises a question.
Look at small business if you want a reliable indicator. Most jobs are created and sustained by local independent entrepreneurs. In fact, some commentators say that 70% of all our jobs are found in small businesses. It's pretty clear that this vital sector of the economy isn't expanding. Therefore, maybe there really are thousands more people not working than government reports tell us.
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