Unemployment_Editorial_Letter

One of today’s most pressing issues is unemployment. The Obama administration has tried to remedy this situation with stimulus packages aimed to save and create jobs. People’s (2011) explains Mitt Romney as stating that “the president’s idea to create jobs is to spend trillions of dollars.” A major blemish on Obamas record is noticeable when looking at what happened to stimulus money given to one company declaring it would create jobs. Here, Wald explains (2011) that: “Solundra, a California solar equipment manufacturer, took $528 million in government loan guarantees, then declared bankruptcy weeks later. There was a lot more green in the way of cash, and a lot less energy and jobs than anticipated.” Also, there appear to be difference of opinions regarding when a job should be counted as being green. For instance, if a bus driver drives an electric bus that may be counted as adding a green job. The problem is that the bus driver would have driven the bus if it were gas or diesel anyhow. The Obama administration’s methods of spending to get us out of this economic slump do not appear to be working. In my opinion the United States cannot buy their way out of this problem. We cannot keep spending money to get jobs while not increasing taxes, and while top level managers and CEO’s are still getting bonuses and raises. Durso (2011) explains that “Warren Buffet believes that in regards to our current economic situation, the deck is stacked against middle class workers. He further explains that he pays just 17.4% in income taxes, while 20 of his staff’s tax rates are 33% to 41% and that many working-class are losing faith in our system.” There apparently needs to be a way to even the playing field when it comes to taxation of the poor and rich. Also, limiting outsourcing jobs overseas will increase I believe this needs to be addressed from many angles and only a couple can touched upon in this short letter. For one, Congress should focus on tax policies that help small businesses grow and innovate while making sure corporations pay their fair share." Durso (2011) explains that “the only way America will pull out of the current fiscally challenging environment is by rolling up our sleeves and collectively getting to work. This includes management making sacrifices and not asking workers to shoulder the whole burden.” Instead, what is happening is that American workers are having salaries frozen and benefits cut while bonuses are still being paid to top CEO’s. Another issue is the amount of outsourcing occurring in the United States. Encourage companies to boost manufacturing and purchase services in the United States. We should instill buy-American provisions in all government procurement contracts. If Americans are required to pay for something with their tax dollars, it should be made here at home when possible, even if it costs a little more. And let’s challenge China’s trade policies, which create an unfair system that stacks the deck against American-made goods. While I have seen articles expressing outsourcing creates jobs everywhere, I do not believe it is helping America at all. I believe it is time to dig in and for people of all economic level to take the brunt of this economic downturn and not to keep expecting stimulus packages and money to come from our Government to save us. References Durso, John. (September 5, 2011). CEO’s are winning and labor is losing, these are dark days for working people. NY Daily News. Retrieved from: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2011/09/05/2011-09-05_dark_days_for_working_people.html Peoples, Steve. (September 15, 2011). Candidates bash stimulus, campaign at companies. Charlotte Observer. Retrieved from: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/09/15/2610792/stimulus-the-program-candidates.html Wald, L.Matthew. (September 22, 2011). Republicans attack on handling of stimulus money and green jobs. ). Gainesville Sun. Retrieved from: http://www.gainesville.com/article/ 20110922 /ZNYT02/109223006