Over at Mother Jones Kevin Drum has a go at explaining why the long term unemployment situation is so bad for everyone. The explanation is cogent and understandable…for those who will pay attention without wearing political blinders.
I’ve been there. Back in the mid-80s the price of oil crashed hard and Tulsa was in a depression. Houses for sale everywhere and jobs almost impossible to find. We had friends and didn’t really want to move. I was stuck in the over/under qualified rut. I couldn’t possibly tell you how many resumes I handed out and applications I filled out. Unemployment ran out and it was nasty. I was fortunate. I was able to relocate back to Kansas City where the economy is much more diversified and less than a month later I had a job. But that was then. If something like that happened now that safety net isn’t there. So I think I have a very good idea of how most long term unemployed really feel. When people talk about people being lazy and willing to be picky when it comes to a job after months and months of looking I marvel at their ignorance.