7 Proposals to solve the Unemployment ProblemWritten by Virginia Bola, PsyD
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2. Identify growing and potential industries and skills they will need in future staff. 3. Design a plan which allows for rapid retargeting of training courses as Community Colleges and vocational schools are traditionally 5 to 15 years behind current needs. 4. Provide substantial tax incentives for businesses to hire in U.S. rather than shipping their jobs to low income countries. 5. Devise “red-tape-less” programs to reward employers with significant tax credits for hiring long-term employed and new trainees. 6. Overhaul processes of State Unemployment Offices by implementing coordinated support programs in which workers participate as part of receiving unemployment benefits and employers participate as a means of meeting their future needs for staff. 7. Provide incentives for employers to hire more part-time workers. Simultaneously, America must reframe its social policy to promote a new work ethic of reduced work hours, along with increased leisure and volunteer activities, to allow more workers to be employed, albeit for fewer hours. Due to negative emotional effects of living without work, our society needs to stress high employment rather than high productivity which often translates into fewer workers, working harder and longer.
Dr. Bola operated a rehabilitation company, developing innovative job search techniques for disabled workers, for 20 years. A licensed clinical psychologist, she developed vocational programs for the mentally ill, served as a Vocational Expert for Social Security, Civil Court, and pioneered vocational testimony in Workers’ Compensation Hearings. She is author of The Wolf at the Door: An Unemployment Survival Manual (Authorhouse.com)
| | Pray Before You VoteWritten by Kathy Simcox
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But this is only beginning. We are waging a battle against an evil more destructive, more soul-damaging and heart-wrenching, than we've ever experienced before. This is not an enemy that can be dealt with by using sensitivity and negotiation. No, a "kum-by-yah" approach will not satiate this enemy. A "kum-by-yah" approach will not keep our country safe. George W. Bush will. Giving these terrorists a big group hug is not in our President's agenda. Keeping America safe from fear, however, is, and he does what it takes to make sure this is done right. This is what a strong, confident, and faith-filled leader does. This man loves same creation as I do - gently flowing rivers, thick canopied forests, spirit-filled choirs singing hymns of praise. And as I journey down life's road, savoring each precious, free, moment that I am given, my soul will rest in joy of knowing that I walk under same sky with a man who loves God, loves all of God's people, and will remain strong in order to protect them.
About the Author Kathy Simcox, Columbus, Ohio, United States hrdude28@hotmail.com Kathy works as an Administrative Assistant in the College of the Arts at The Ohio State University. She holds a BA in Psychology and is currently working on a second BA in Religious Studies. In addition to writing, her passions include hiking, biking, kayaking, photography, and singing in her Lutheran church choir. She is also known to read an occasional book.
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