It has been brought to my attention that I have not provided enough statistical data to illustrate the severity of unemployment in America. Well that changes right now. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a household survey indicated that the current number of unemployed Americans stands at 14.8 million. The unemployment rate itself has held steady at 9.6% over the past two months. Another startling piece of data is the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) which is currently 6.1 million. These are obviously some very startling numbers, but what does the government say about the current situation? In August, President Obama announced 67,000 private sector jobs were created, but the unemployment rate rose because not enough jobs were created to absorb the growing number of Americans looking for work. More jobs must be created if the unemployment rate is to be lowered, and Obama says he plans to meet with his advisers to formulate more ways to create jobs. However, mass layoffs have become a major concern for most U.S. citizens. The BLS syas that 133,379 workers were seperated from their jobs during the month of September. However, on a positive note, "this number is 60 less than the number from last month, making this the thrid consecutive over-the-month decrease." These figures truly illustrate the severity of unemployment in America. Our government must act quickly if it is to successfully lower the number of unemployed U.S. citizens.
I think the statistical data that you have provided have helped put an image to your previous posts. It is interesting to see the visual differences of the rate from its all time low in 2000 (when more people were employed) and now.
ReplyDeleteI agree that more jobs should be created. While I don't believe in a lot of aspects of government intervention in the economy, I do think that they have a "duty," more or less, to provide certain public jobs. The whole situation with unemployment stems from a lot of factors (as I have read in your previous posts), however I do not believe a lack of education is one of them...or at least a main one. Because of the high number of educated Americans that are unemployed, government jobs would provide qualified and hard working Americans the opportunity to earn what they have studied and worked hard for.
I am really glad you added this graph and statistics to your blog, it really demonstrates a more visual aspect to your issue. Great job!
I agree with those who made the suggestion and B. McBlogger that the statistical data really helps illustrate the complexity and seriousness of the topic. These figures are pretty shocking and show that numerous people are indeed affected by the lack of jobs available today. Even though 9.6% may not seem like a huge number, when considering the total amount of people here in America, it proves to actually be a significant quantity. I could not imagine being laid off and not having a job at the time in my life where it is essential to have an income, especially if I were supporting an entire family. It’s so dreadful to hear that it is taking such a long time and tremendous amount of effort in an attempt to resolve this issue. Nonetheless, I think it is optimistic to reveal that although it may be trivial in the larger picture, there are reports that indicate a decrease in the amount of people facing unemployment; this conveys hope for the future.
ReplyDeleteI think the numeric data and statistics do help us readers more effectively understand the reality of the matter at hand; I assume that you can relate to this seeing that you are also a blogger!
B. McBlogger, I do agree with you in that the government needs to have a very limited involvement in our economy. In my economics class, we learned that over time the market will naturally correct itself, but the length of time this will take is uncertain. However, I think it is necessary for the government to do something to speed this process along and not just sit around doing nothing. This is a very contradictory stance to take though because I honestly don’t want to the government having power over our economy, but at the same time I think it needs to get in there and create some jobs. Maybe the government just needs to make sure enough jobs are provided for citizens and make regulations that protect consumers from faulty goods. However, once the economy gets rolling again, then the government needs to stake a step back and surrender its involvement (to a certain extent). The government must first begin to help those with jobs keep their jobs either by providing tax breaks or other incentives to businesses which send the message that the government is going to support their growth. From there it can begin to create new job positions, but because businesses now have extra capital to spend, the private sector should in theory be able to create jobs itself. Hopefully the government will start assisting the unemployed soon, because as the data shows, unemployment is out of control.
ReplyDeleteGo Green
ReplyDeleteI am glad you found the data I provided on unemployment helpful. I added to my blog to help readers visualize the current economic situation, so it was good to see it had the desired effect. It is true 9.6% is a very high unemployment rate and hopefully it will not reach 10%. However, I have heard mixed reports about the unemployment rates are doing. I have read many reports claiming the rate would be much higher if it weren’t for President Obama and that it is improving. Other reports have claimed it is rising. Personally I think it is still climbing because many of the jobs created by the government in past months were for the 2010 Census, which are only temporary jobs. Nevertheless they are still jobs and have been used for political games in altering the appearance of unemployment statistics. Understanding the truth of major issues such as unemployment, are often difficult as they are always caught in the middle of political battles. These “party games” often take away from actuality of important issues. Instead of worrying about who has the right data, the government should just admit that unemployment is out of control and work to fix it.
While we have the same topic, I find it interesting that you provided a visual aspect to your post. I mentioned what the unemployment rates were according to the past Census but you have given your readers something to look at and better understand. I commend you! Seeing that the unemployment rate is 9.6% seems like a tiny problem until you look at it on a graph!
ReplyDeleteLavender Blonde
ReplyDeleteI am pleased that the graph I posted was able to provide you with visual insight at unemployment in America. You mentioned that you posted census data in one of your posts and now I am kicking myself for not thinking to do that. Census data is very accurate and most importantly unbiased. That is a great addition to any blog focusing on the unemployment crisis. I agree that seeing a 9.6% unemployment rate doesn’t seem all that much at first, but when you compare it to past rates, it is a scary number. The recession has just caused unemployment rates to skyrocket, and it is upsetting to see the government more focused on other issues such as health care reform or immigration. Not that these issues are unimportant, it is just that the prosperity of the United States is more affected by the economy and unemployment. In one of your previous posts you mentioned that as a student you were worried about getting a job once you graduate. I feel your pain. I too am a college student and in a few years I will be tossed into this deflated job market. It is a scary thought to know that you could do well in school and spend four or more years of your life preparing for a job you may not even get. I hope the government can act swiftly and provide life to this failing job market. I would like to start my career the second I graduate, but with things the way they are, this may not be a possibility.