The Economy: Depression vs Distressed

I’ve been in the construction business now for over 20 years, and I got to admit that I don’t remember times like this. If your in the construction field you already know how bad it is.
In years past, spring, summer, and fall were the busiest times, we would bring outsiders into our territory to help with the work load. Since the end of 2008 unemployment is over the top. Some say it’s the worst in 20 years.

I say it’s worse. I have never seen so many fellow workers out of work. Question is “How bad does it have to get before it gets better?

Businesses of all levels are trying to cope with many of the problems made by the “distressed” economy (A state of extreme necessity). Socially accepted word for depression. It seems that Economists use softer words like “distressed” to make our economic situations seem not so bad. However, those of us in the real world can see those who are loosing their houses, or lost their house, those who lost their jobs. Those soft words have the same meaning.

Maybe we would have a better economy if we would stop lending other countries money, and never force them to pay it back. How about not giving American jobs to foreigners? Or Give American companies to foreign countries. Who in their right mind would think of doing that? Don’t worry I know the answer.

In the 1700’s (England) if someone would even think of that their head would roll. Not that I’m suggesting decapitation. It’s unAmerican to give our jobs away and leave our brothers and sisters jobless. Who benefits? The big corporations do. Think about it, they make the same product using Mexicans, Chinese, or Japanese assembling these items and shipping them to the US. Selling the products to the same people whose jobs they stole. Lets not forget that these workers are being paid only pennies per hour, yet the price of the product is the same as when it was made in the US. It must be nice being a Corporation in the US to be able to do this with the consent of our thoughtful government. Don’t think for one minute I don’t love my country, I’ve done my time in the Army. I just don’t understand the thought process behind this whole thing.

I want to see the politician stop thinking of himself, and begin to think of his brother and sister that can’t hide behind the privileged walls and silver spoons. After talking to some of my friends who are out of work they just want the opportunity to go back to their old jobs and make a living. Most are to old to find a new career. Man this turned off in a unintentional direction. I was just going to write about the economy and how the businesses are adapting to it. Perhaps next time.

Business are struggling to bring cost to meet low revenue and very small profit. That’s right low revenue and small profit, I wonder why? Maybe because over 10% of the country is out of work? Companies and organizations are “trimming” personal to lower there costs to continue to operate on a level playing field to stay competitive with other businesses. Mean while they are still driving expensive cars, big houses, vacation homes, etc. Shouldn’t the cuts start at the top not the bottom? Someone making a million a year surely can afford a 10% cut compared to someone making 30,000. I have no problem with big executives making millions, they probable deserve it, but when it comes time to make some cut backs don’t be afraid to take a lose as well. When things are good the executive does good, and the worker deserves a part of that pie as well. Because the way its going the pie some day is going to be given to a country like Mexico.