You know how much I love the NY Times. I read it every day. It is probably a good indication that I am a liberal.
With liberal ideas.
Which is why it frustrates me when conservatives (many of them my friends and neighbors) complain about our new President and how he is turning America into a Socialist country. It really makes me angry when you (the ubiquitous you) tell me that no one needs a helping hand and everyone who does is just abusing the system.
I think you need to read my piece on the Dutch.
Which brings me to today. Great article in the NY Times suggesting that the “Great Recession” is so much worse than is being reported. If you take into account all the people that are working part time because full time work is unavailable, it brings the unemployment rate up quite a bit. As much as 23.5% in Oregon, 21.5% in Michigan and Rhode Island, and just under 20% in Tennessee and Nevada (oh, where I live!). And to be honest–my husband’s hours were reduced to 24 hours a week in December. He has looked for another job, but they just aren’t out there. My daughter was laid off from her government job and is collecting unemployment. I am still working (at home, as a writer), but I am not even close to being the breadwinner in the family.
Guess what, we need a helping hand. And I am pissed every time someone suggests that our family problem is our own fault. And that by looking for help, we are abusing the system.
Crazy thing, all you naysayers who look to history to prove your point: The government and the economy seem to do better when the democrats are in office. The deficit isn’t as high, if it is existent at all (remember, during the Clinton years we were running with a surplus–which went away very quickly when W. came into office).
That’s my vent today. Thanks for listening.
