As we look forward to the November mid-term elections (both locally and nationally), we should review “JOBS 101″ and what we may/may not know about employment both here in Pennsylvania and nationwide. Why aren’t we seeing “RED,” folks?!
I ask this question with two different thoughts in mind:
- With our economy in grave condition and unemployment so high, why aren’t we “seeing red” (acknowledging the signs) and demanding Washington REALLY start paying attention to this very real “at home” crisis? Regardless of our political affiliations, why aren’t we mad as hell that the Obama administration seems to be incredibly apathetic? Continuing to extend unemployment benefits and government-run programs with no regard to our already out-of-control national debt is NOT a viable solution!
- Why don’t we take an educated look at our traditional “red” (Republican) states and thoughtfully compare employment and opportunity for growth with our “blue” (Democratic-run) states? The facts are there. We just need to take a deliberate look at the information available to us and start making SMART decisions based upon this information. The livelihood of our children and grandchildren depends on our ability to discern the facts and apply the knowledge in a responsible way.
With our national debt sky high (and multiplying by the minute) and our unemployment rate right behind it, I find it appalling that the Obama administration doesn’t make jobs and job growth our number one priority right now. If you want to bring politics down to a local level, this is about as local as you can get! Many of us are unemployed/under-employed and the job prospects are very slim right now (This, too, depends on your location, unfortunately.). Location is key, as well as the political makeup of the area/state you reside in (as I hope you will see…) Let’s talk some facts and statistics, shall we? Let’s put down our political guns for a moment and try to really look at these very unbiased facts with logic and truth. Won’t you join me? Okay, here we go…
Traditionally, our “red” (Republican) states have done very well in the job sector, and these red states tend to be in the southern and western parts of our great United States (These states are known as “Right to Work” states which do not require union membership as a condition for employment.). So, let’s talk about these red states and their approach to business and job growth. What do the red states offer both employees and employers/businesses? Red states are business-friendly. They understand that small business enterprises are the backbone of a successful capitalist society, and job growth is generally created and sustained (long-term) by businesses in the private sector. Because red states are business-friendly, they support tax breaks for businesses (so businesses can keep more of their revenue TO CREATE MORE JOBS) and this in turn, provides more opportunity and growth for employees and job seekers. Red states tend to discourage government regulation — not because they don’t want to be environmentally conscience or compliant (they do) — but because government regulation can be obsessively overbearing and restricting. As witnessed all over the United States and here in western Pennsylvania, our cap and trade policies continue to hinder our ability to access and use the energy resources available right here for us, thus tightening our reliance on other countries and prohibiting job growth in our already job-challenged areas (like western Pennsylvania). Here, in western Pennsylvania, we have both the natural resources AND a ready-to-go workforce able to harvest these resources, but our cap and trade policies have sadly paralyzed us.
For too long, Republicans have been lumped together into this seemingly apathetic group of selfish, money-hungry businessman who back big, Corporate America and the injustices we’ve recently experienced on Wall Street. Nothing is further from the truth! We are angry and we demand accountability, too; however we don’t believe accountability should come in a way which will completely snuff out entrepreneurship and our system of capitalism, here, in America.
Traditionally, our “blue” (Democrat) states have higher unemployment rates, lower wages, and they support labor/trade union memberships (as part of employment). Unions, in the past, were once very respectable “for the blue-collar, working man” type entities which helped to identify and correct mishaps and inequalities in the workplace; however, I think most would agree some unions have evolved into unrecognizable “political monsters” which now are directly involved in our elections (much alike the special interest groups the Republicans are almost always accused of bedding with). Unions are a big factor in the inability of blue states to bring new businesses to their areas and create jobs. The threat of lawsuits and the difficulties associated with working with unions often prevent businesses from moving forth in a positive and productive way (and many employees face harsh repercussions if they do not back unions and their agendas). Lastly, blue states generally favor higher taxes, government funding, and lots of regulation and oversight. All of these factors are proven job killers.
I challenge you to do some research on your own and “google” employment and business information for both our red states and blue states. Regardless of your party affiliation, I think you will find some valuable truths out there for your careful contemplation. The Debt Weight Scorecard from Forbes.com provides some interesting facts about how unfiscally responsible our blue states are compared to our red states (This, too, plays into how well we create and sustain jobs over the long run.). Of course there will be anomalies with some blue states fairing better than some red states, but the general rule of thumb will show that red states promote more opportunity overall. The United States Department of Labor has a revised list of unemployment rates, by state, available for your review, as well (last modified May 21, 2010).
*Regarding the labor statistics — We don’t truly know how many are unemployed (or in my case, under-employed), or who have simply given up on finding employment because our labor statistics are based upon criteria the White House deems important and relevant. I’m not confident that the numbers available are truly accurate (and we don’t know how these numbers are calculated). I tend to think the actual unemployment rates are much more grim!
As we prepare to vote this fall, keep in mind where you reside. Are you living in a “red” or “blue” state? If you’re living in a blue state (like me), take a hard look at your state’s leadership and political environment. Is your leadership supporting job-killing policies? The facts are the facts. It’s time we take this information to the polls with us in November and select the candidate(s) who can best help us to CREATE JOBS and reignite the American dream once again. We need to carefully study our red states and their strategies and plans… and apply THEIR successful business and job-creating approaches (both on a state and national level)!
For us in the 12th congressional district, our “best” candidate is Tim Burns (Republican). I’m liking RED! What about YOU?!
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