I had a conversation with my boss the other day. He's a compassionate conservative, or, as some would say, an oxymoron. While the unemployment rate here in RI is hitting 12%, he presents anecdotal evidence of a layed off UAW member and concludes,"Anyone could get a job if they lowered their expectations. They would just rather sit at home than do something difficult for less money."
This is demonstrably false. It can be difficult to show the struggles of 5% unemployment to someone so thoroughly sold on so-called "fiscal conservatism" or neo-classical economics. I could quote Keynes, but during times of prosperity, the undeniable logic is disputed by laymen sold on Gilded Age arguments. It's easier to blame others' for their own "laziness" than to help them. It's easier to be jealous of unions ("fat cats") negotiating fair deals ("bloated paychecks") than challenge the company you work for. It's easier to be outraged at "welfare queens" than show true compassion for single parents doing the best they can. That was before. Now, we see what 12% unemployment looks like.
12% unemployment is the fear of lay-offs across whole industries. The inability to find a decent full-time job in your field, no matter your qualifications. 12% unemployment is having a part-time job, but not being able to get more hours, or find a second job. 12% unemployment is being "hired" at McDonalds or Target, in the case of two people I know, but not being assigned any hours for months on end.
12% unemployment is seeing, again and again, a young family dig through your recycle bin for cans. Both parents are present: One to recover the cans, the other to drive. The children are there, too. Where else could they be?
I don't know this family's story. Can they not find any job? Does one, or both, of the parents have minimum-wage job(s) that can't cover the basic necessities?
I wonder what my boss would say of this young family. Are they not willing to "lower their expectations" of pay and dignity? Can my boss name a job that pays less, and has less dignity, than digging for cans?
cross-posted at http://www.rifuture.org :
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