States continue to worry as jobs remain scarce across the nation
Posted by The Skyliner on September 23rd, 2009Leasy Sandal
Staff Writer
(Photo by Jenny Farnham)
Although the nation’s net worth has grown about 4 percent since 2007, many citizens continue in their search to find work.
One month ago, 42 states made additional job cuts, up from 29 states this past July. Since December 2007, when the recession first came to surface, millions of Americans have felt the ramifications of a poor economy.
There are currently 15 states that hold an unemployment rate of 10 percent or higher, and relief does not appear to be on the way. South Carolina is one of those 15 states.
President Barack Obama has assured the nation that his main focus is to restore the economy. On Sept. 14, Obama spoke on financial rescue and reform at Federal Hall in New York City.
“This crisis was not just the result of decisions made by the mightiest of financial firms. It was also the result of decisions made by ordinary Americans to open credit cards and take on mortgages,” Obama said. “And while there were many who took out loans they knew they couldn’t afford, there were also millions of Americans who signed contracts they didn’t fully understand offered by lenders who didn’t always tell the truth.”
New York listened as Obama continued to reveal his plan for financial freedom for the nation.
The economic crisis has affected everyone, regardless of the individual’s job or job security.
Many college students are graduating only to find that the job market is dwindling and although the future of the economy is uncertain for the nation’s youth, the older generation has certainly taken the hardest hit.
Dave Woodruff has been a certified public accountant in South Carolina for the past 29 years. Over the past three years, he has lost business due to financial instability of his clients.
Trucking business clients have gone out of business over the last few years due to high fuel prices. Woodruff’s clients in the entertainment industry, such as Christian bands, have been forced to put their dreams on hold and pursue more traditional careers.
Woodruff remembers taking for granted in past years the ability to go on vacation, dine out often and become involved with home projects. Now, his family must prioritize their spending. Medical needs, food and utilities are high on the list compared to entertainment and dining out.
“Look at what the bailout is doing—loaning big business money, then when they default, government takes over the business and owns them,” Woodruff said. “Meanwhile, the associated officers of these quasi-government businesses and their allied politicians just get richer and richer and take more and more control of the wealth in America, transferring it from private individuals to government and wealth.”
Woodruff commends Obama’s goals to restore the economy, but doubts that his pursuit of economic stability will pay off in the long run.
“America has become trapped in a society that is corrupt with greed for money and power. Obama’s goals may be well intentioned, but they are all about targeting the very large businesses and government organizations that are all part of the system of greed,” Woodruff said.
The President’s decisions must be based on the honest, hardworking values that have supported this country since its birth. There is no instant cure for this financial chaos; it is going to be a lot of hard work. For many, help cannot come quickly enough.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 3