Creating an Environment of Indolence

In July 2012, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were still 12.8 million Americans unemployed. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) was little changed at 5.2 million. Another 8.2% were underemployed. The jobless rate for teenagers was 23.8% and for Asians was 6.2 % in July. The unemployment rate nationwide was 8.3%, but in North Dakota it was 3.0%; in South Dakota it was 3.8%; and in Nebraska it was 4%. In blue states like California it was 10.7%.

Employment in July increased the most in professional and business services, 49,000; leisure and hospitality, 29,000; manufacturing, 25,000; health care, 12,000; and computer systems design, 7,000. These changes in the types of employment were correctly predicted in Future Shock over 40 years ago.

The Obama administration is dismantling the welfare reform achieved by a Republican Congress and a Democrat President in 1996. The limit for unemployment compensation has been increased from 26 weeks to 99 weeks, and many then start receiving Social Security disability even though they are far from retirement age. The number of persons on food stamps stood at 46,224,722, a historic high, as of October, the most recent month on record. The government’s Lifeline Assistance Program gives out free cell phones and monthly service to 12.5 million Americans in need of financial help. The financially disadvantaged can receive a free government cell phone and up to 250 free minutes every month under the FCC's Lifeline Assistance Program. A recent video shows a girl who has more than a dozen. She explains that there is no check to determine need. She uses the extra phones to barter for money and drugs.

Over $1.25 Billion will be paid to minority groups who were “discriminated against” in USDA farm loans. The USDA has not kept records of loans that were declined, but blacks, women and Native American farmers have champions in Congress trying to pass appropriation bills.

Student debt is given without a credit check and without merit. Taxpayers are on the hook for over $1 Trillion. Over 40,000,000 borrowers owe us money. All are voting age.