Unemployment: The 2010 Time Bomb

[katty]

more: http://www.alternet.org/workplace/145048/unemployment%3A_the_2010_time_bomb?page=2

By John Nichols, The Nation. Posted January 9, 2010.

New figures show jobs were lost in December at ten times the expected rate.

The United States has entered a new election year. The 2010 cycle promises to be one of the most volatile political moments since the economically-driven realigning elections of 1958 (which confirmed long-term Democratic control of the Congress) and 1980 (which saw the Republicans reassert themselves under the leadership of Ronald Reagan).

As in those previous years, political leaders are worried about serious domestic- and foreign-policy concerns.

But the voters are worried about jobs and the economy.

President Obama and the Democrats in Congress face the prospect of serious setbacks in 2010 congressional and state races if they do not recognize that there is a disconnect between their focus and that of the American people who will decide the political direction of the country in November.
Unemployment is a devastating social reality for those experiencing it.

Unemployment is a frightening economic reality for those who still have jobs but who wonder whether their jobs are threatened – and who constrain their spending and lifestyle choices accordingly.

[county worker]

1. Why does anyone think that voting against Dems will help get jobs back?

I can see people just not voting but to vote for the same jerks that put us here is like shooting you damn head off!

[Demeter]

4. When the Incumbent Is Voting Against Your Interests, Throw the Bum Out!

First rule of government of the people, by the people, for the people.

[nevergiveup]

2. Employment gains are always the last to show during an economic recovery

and this is the worst recession in 100 years so the figures are going to be grim for a while longer. John Nichols is silly for suggesting Obama might not recognize the connection between staggering unemployment figures and the 2010 mid-term election.

[cutlassmama]

3. Recession? It's the Great Depression II