[Omar329]

This is the highest since 1983. A record 5.6 Million people have not had a job in over 6 months. While the economy grew, the labor market was still shrinking with job cuts. The only bright side is that Congress voted overwhelmingly to extend unemployment benefits.

Unemployment rate hits 10.2%, worst since 1983 - Yahoo! Finance

[stefani1]

I wish there was a way to know who was abusing the system and who really needed it! I'm sorry, but I know people who are on unemployment and really not making an attempt to get a job. Unemployment is too busy to check on everyone and so most people will get away with not looking for a job. it's sad. While I'm happy there is relief for those that REALLY need it. I don't think I'm eligible because I stopped mine in December of 08, but maybe I'll check it out - thanks!

[bigshirley]

This is one of those times where I dont have anything nice to say...so i wont say anything...(current administration!!)

I pray for those who need work to find it...and those with jobs to keep them.

[bellasmama]

Originally Posted by stefani1

I wish there was a way to know who was abusing the system and who really needed it! I'm sorry, but I know people who are on unemployment and really not making an attempt to get a job. Unemployment is too busy to check on everyone and so most people will get away with not looking for a job. it's sad. While I'm happy there is relief for those that REALLY need it.

My BIL is one of those people. He has been out of work for months and when I asked him how the job search was coming, he said why would he look for a job while he still gets unemployment? <shakes head in disgust> Of course, I don't think everyone thinks this way, but I do think it's more common than I care for.

[nancy1108]

My husband has been layed off and we live in a small town area. There are no jobs ava. Even our walmart has layed people off. I am glad for the Unemployement but we still can't make ends meet. We had to get the COBRA insurance since we had insurance through my husbands work. We have to pay over $400 a month just for the insurance and my husbands unemployement income just pays for that and one other bill. We have to have insurance because of my husband has Epilesy and his medicine cost a month with out insurance would be over $300. I am working part time and can't find a job. It is awful.

[Omar329]

I agree on the abuse of Unemployment being an issue. IMO, Unemployment should only be allowed if you can turn in regular documentation showing that you are actually looking for a job. Those who do not even try, should not get rewarded for being lazy.

[Omar329]

The Unemployment rises and the market does not loose anything. I figured that the market would drop but apparently, it shows that there is slowed job losses which actually would help in this current market.

All of that stimulus money and there should be greater innovation and new companies emerging creating jobs and revenue. This is what happened in the 80's with the last major economic stimulus.

[brennasmom]

I saw this today and was thinking "but they keep saying the recession is over". Seems like we are still deep in the trenches to me.

[Omar329]

Originally Posted by brennasmom

I saw this today and was thinking "but they keep saying the recession is over". Seems like we are still deep in the trenches to me.

The numbers are a little skewed. For instance: Our economy grew about 3.5% in this last quarter, however, Government Spending is half of it and the other half is exports due to a weaker dollar.Exports being so high is extremely rare and is not necessarily a good thing. All other factors shrank, which has a larger effect on jobs.

[frogprincess]

Sigh - it doesn't help when there are areas where you must be bilingual to get a job at all. (i.e. some areas of California and Florida.)

And - might I add the influx of immigrants (illegal or legal) taking away American jobs is not helping either. Our economy cannot support the cheap labor taking away jobs from people who are not working illegally under the table to avoid taxes or deportation. I'm sorry but we really need the Statue of Liberty to say "I know we said give us your tired, poor, tattered masses but this is ridiculous! We've got so many of you now that we don't need anymore so please go away. We're full."

I'm really worried about the "mandatory health care" that the gov't wants to give everyone. Its going to be hard on honest, tax paying companies and individuals who are not trying to cheat the system. I don't know about you but I can't afford 14,000 dollars extra out of my pocket per year for government insurance. I hope they at least allow us to keep our current insurance if its cheaper. But - its going to be alot worse if they say - if you can't pay your employer will - because employers will probably lay off more people to save on insurance costs or not hire or get rid of people who are "high risk" and would cost more to insure them. (By high risk I mean smokers, overweight, current health conditions, etc.) Or they might not hire people who have families because they cost more to insure then individuals. Its going to get nasty. I wish finance heads in congress would give Americans more information so we know what's going on with this. Senator Kerry is one of them so maybe if enough of us write to him we'll get some answers.

Btw, it doesn't help when the stimulus money was wasted the first time around. There was so much pork spending it was insane. 12 mil for a mouse? Paying more for meat and cheese per pound when you could get it cheaper from any grocery store? Just to give a few examples.

Also, I'm starting to get annoyed at people asking me constantly (because I have 2 kids and one on the way) - Are you having more? Are you getting fixed? I know how to make money stretch. People are looking at everyone with a few extra children like they're irresponsible. If anything they need to start going to Social Services once in a while and notice the demographic there. Mostly Hispanics who can't speak that much English. Not saying that all Hispanics are like that but you wouldn't need the signs all in Spanish if there weren't alot of them coming in there for benefits. I was infuriated how a friend of mine really needed food stamps and had to wait months to get things sorted out but someone who was pretending to not speak any English got more than him and got it instantly. The system is just tilted against Caucasians I think. [Even though we're not the majority anymore. Because of the influx from Mexico we're now 2nd.]

[michellzey]

I don't remember the 1980s recession being as bad as this one is. I don't remember so many people losing their homes then...

[lilac48604]

Unless you're in Michigan...then it's 15+%.

[kimmyann123]

yep..its really really bad in michigan.keep your doors and windows locked up tight! i pray to god everynight to let me keep my job!