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December 17, 2009
Jordan Brahaney
The economic recession has affected most people in one way or another. Unemployment continues to rise despite the improving stock market. The inconsistency between the stock market rising while unemployment also rises is disturbing to many and a lingering question that is easily answered.
The truth is that the United States is not the big industrial superpower that it used to be. Many multi-national corporations are headquartered in the United States and are seeing strong sales abroad. This would be good news if the products being purchased overseas were made in the United States and exported out, but they are made overseas and exported from wherever they were made.
Having most of our production outside of the United States is good for the corporations who can pay people in poorer countries like China and India less for the same job that an American worker would do, but it leaves many people who do not have the education or skills for work other than manual labor with few options.
As of October, the unemployment percentage in the United States is 10.2 percent, but California has the fourth highest unemployment percentage by state in the nation at 12.5 percent. With the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. Plant (NUMMI) plant scheduled to close down in March, it is likely that things will be getting worse before they get better for unemployment and job opportunities.
People are finding themselves without a job and with few jobs available. The job hunt is especially challenging for students who have little to no work experience and are now competing with older people who have been working longer. Stores and restaurants that used to have younger employees who would work part time are now filled with older workers who are taking any job that they can find.
Through this recession many have learned, it is necessary to improve the nation’s production capabilities to return jobs and opportunity to the people. Green industries that intend to find new energy sources and ways to harness natural energy are very promising areas to watch. If the industry gains enough support then it will be necessary to create more jobs to build and manage the windmills, solar panels, tide mills, and other energy catching methods. Until then it’s best to try and make the best out of the jobs available.
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