What is Force Majeure? From the Yale web site:
http://www.library.yale.edu/...
"Force Majeure literally means "greater force". These clauses excuse a party from liability if some unforseen event beyond the control of that party prevents it from performing its obligations..."
I suggest we apply this to the unemployed, underemployed and students who cannot find jobs. More after the break. And I apologize in advance for not having a long diary about this, but sometimes simplicity is the best. Don't flame me over the brevity of my suggestion please.
Ok: US citizens who have lost jobs through no fault of their own, students who studied hard, got good grades, and find they cannot find jobs, and the underemployed are being harassed by banks over debts----credit cards, student loans, mortgages, car loans--- and in many cases this not just leads to bankruptcy but also excessive personal stress, divorce, and in some cases, suicides. All because the US economy cannot offer employment. But individuals are being held personally accountable for what our economy cannot provide: jobs at good incomes and benefits.
So far, we see NO effort by our government ( and I would include the GOP ) or our corporations and banks to work to making America's economy able to provide good jobs with decent benefits. Instead, we see individuals being held accountable for not being able to find jobs. We need to reverse this equation, and incent and hold accountable our misguided government and the corporate sector accountable SO THAT they move forward for Americans, not for their own greed, special interests, bribes, and profit. America is for us, if we can just remember that.
So, Force Majeure means for the unemployed, underemployed, the about to be foreclosed ( or 'served' regarding debts) and unemployed students that their debts are FORGIVEN forever. That for the term of their status as unemployed or underemployed (state unemployment commissions will monitor), they pay NO local or federal income tax or property tax. Period. A bill in congress would be less than one page. (as opposed to the 2000+ pages for health care). Further, these individuals would keep their telephone service and internet and utilities and if needed, rent or mortgage would be subsidized until they became employed.
I believe that unless we as citizens reverse the current equation of 'blame' that we won't see any progress. Corporations and banks are making huge profits off foreclosures, credit card late fees ( like 50 dollars each time a payment is late), student defaults, etc.
If you have a job, great. Someday you might be on the south side of the tracks. Let's get together and get a force majeure ruling passed.. at least at the state level. Let's show the b'tards we run things, not them.
Thanks for your time and consideration. People on Main Street need us.