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.
The 'labor participation' numbers are revealingly low. It is reported that there are the same number of workers now as in the 1970s. This obviously has not kept pace with the growing population and is an indicator of high unemployment and a correspondingly weaker economy.
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.
There are 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows, so this is not a depression-era problem. During the Great Depression, people would have been grateful for any job, no matter how boring or menial. Working at a fast-food restaurant or a dollar store may not appeal to a college graduate, but sometimes it's better to occupy the waking hours in any way possible.
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.
Most jobs are created and sustained by small businesses, which have neither increased or expanded much in almost a decade. This may be the most significant way to gauge the plight of the American worker. Many believe that the true number of unemployed workers is much greater than indicated.
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.
The 'labor participation' numbers are revealingly low. It is reported that there are the same number of workers now as in the 1970s. This obviously has not kept pace with the growing population and is an indicator of high unemployment and a correspondingly weaker economy.
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.
There are 'Help Wanted' signs in storefront windows, so this is not a depression-era problem. During the Great Depression, people would have been grateful for any job, no matter how boring or menial. Working at a fast-food restaurant or a dollar store may not appeal to a college graduate, but sometimes it's better to occupy the waking hours in any way possible.
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.
Most jobs are created and sustained by small businesses, which have neither increased or expanded much in almost a decade. This may be the most significant way to gauge the plight of the American worker. Many believe that the true number of unemployed workers is much greater than indicated.
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