U.S. Unemployment 6.5% and rising

Well I just posted a blog on the unemployment rate for September 08 being 6.1%, which we haven’t seen since briefly in 2003, and before that… 1994. What I take from the statistic is this:

1. We have been through worse times
2. This is the major tipping point in alternative energy and investments

While this means that another quarter million people lost their jobs in the US, the US has been in worse unemployment statuses. Take a look at my ‘Recession for generation XYZ…’ blog and you will find a chart with recent statistics and then click on the links in the chart where a graph will show you that highest unemployment percentage was about 10.4% in September of 1984. For those already unemployed, here are some ideas:

• If you really needed a job, you would take one from anywhere right?
• Sell the junk you don’t need
• Any hobbies or interests that could make money?
• The US Military is always looking for 18-35 year olds (wow….that’s a Great Depression thought)
• Start your own business

While I’m sure most unemployed have thought or done just about anything, so I offer this. Can you write? Email me at webmaster@thebigpictoday.com and we can maybe set up something if you can write about current issues.

Second topic : Main event

I think this is the tipping point for greener energy. The new Presidential team and Obama himself will want to quickly act to curb the unemployment rate, and one quick way to do that is by investing money in corporations on greener jobs such as hybrid cars, wind farms, solar panels, and greener power plants. Bonus points for ratings inside and outside the US. The citizens will applaud green investment and creating jobs. The rest of the world will be happy to hear that the US is finally rising to the standards that some European countries have set. (Off-topic point: The council I live in England now recycles more that it throws away. My recycling bin is always full, whereas my trash bin isn’t now that the recycling service is readily available and provided through council taxes.)

Outlook

My outlook is that the unemployment rate will rise to 8% by February 2009, and will even out as the Obama administration starts to act on green energy, the economy, and unemployment. If the corporations could just have faith in the fact that green energy will save them money, then this is as high as it will go. I really do think that 8% is a solid ground that the government needs to stand-fast on, and all they have to do is help the car industry re-tool for hybrids to help off-set loss of jobs to invest (I don’t agree that this should be done on one side because they should have re-tooled anyways, but at this point, it is what must be done), and invest in companies that will build greener power sources to create jobs, and lower energy costs. If the administration should fail to act fast, I think we will see 10% unemployment which is just an embarrassment to the United States, which has always been a dream for immigrants for a better life and job.

Action

Get active in the greener energy buzz to show and guide your representatives what you think needs to be done. Email or write to your congress-person about green jobs, and mileage requirements in your state. Anything to lower energy costs, and create new jobs. For the few who are thinking “eh. we should cut foreign aid. We are in trouble at home. Take care of the home front first.” STOP now. Cease and desist. Until the United States lives in the conditions of the 3rd world, we must keep foreign aid. It’s just morally right.