How Do You Talk About Black Unemployment Without Talking About Government Jobs?
Samantha
2012/07/11 16:35:06
If the Republicans are so concerned about unemployment among African Americans, they wouldn't advocate eliminating more jobs from the public sector. However, conservatives don't have a reputation for being consistent.
I'm waiting to see what else Romney says about it, but the pre-speech part of his NAACP remarks that dealt with unemployment deserves another look.
The unemployment rate, the duration of unemployment, average income, and median family wealth are all worse for the black community. In June, while the overall unemployment rate remained stuck at 8.2 percent, the unemployment rate for African Americans actually went up, from 13.6 percent to 14.4 percent.
Republicans love this statistic -- iron-clad proof that the first black president has been a disaster for blacks. What's usually left unsaid is the the role that public sector lay-offs have had in pumping up those numbers. Black Americans tend to seek government jobs, historically more stable than the private sector, at a higher rate than other Americans.
I'm waiting to see what else Romney says about it, but the pre-speech part of his NAACP remarks that dealt with unemployment deserves another look.
The unemployment rate, the duration of unemployment, average income, and median family wealth are all worse for the black community. In June, while the overall unemployment rate remained stuck at 8.2 percent, the unemployment rate for African Americans actually went up, from 13.6 percent to 14.4 percent.
Republicans love this statistic -- iron-clad proof that the first black president has been a disaster for blacks. What's usually left unsaid is the the role that public sector lay-offs have had in pumping up those numbers. Black Americans tend to seek government jobs, historically more stable than the private sector, at a higher rate than other Americans.
Read More: http://www.slate.com/blogs/weigel/2012/07/11/how_d...
Public sector jobs are indeed beneficial to minorities, as they implement hiring quotas that favor using a race determinant for employment rather than strength of experience or resume. Numerous lawsuits have been filed in federal courts by non-minorities for discrimination in hiring practices because of this (with the most notable case involving Detroit International Airport).
That said, public sector hiring is something that is administered by state and local governments, not federal. So dragging Romney into the discussion as a presidential candidate is fairly irrelevant, as he will have no power over such matters, only active state governors do.
Moreover, public sectors can and are leading many city governments into possible bankruptcy because of reckless spending and irresponsible stewardship. Over 100 cities and municipalities in California alone are either currently insolvent and seeking assistance, or treading water by slicing budgets in an attempt to avoid the inevitable. Mayors and Governors are faced with a tough reality in this situation, either cut programs or go broke.
African Americans (and indeed, everybody) are going t...
Public sector jobs are indeed beneficial to minorities, as they implement hiring quotas that favor using a race determinant for employment rather than strength of experience or resume. Numerous lawsuits have been filed in federal courts by non-minorities for discrimination in hiring practices because of this (with the most notable case involving Detroit International Airport).
That said, public sector hiring is something that is administered by state and local governments, not federal. So dragging Romney into the discussion as a presidential candidate is fairly irrelevant, as he will have no power over such matters, only active state governors do.
Moreover, public sectors can and are leading many city governments into possible bankruptcy because of reckless spending and irresponsible stewardship. Over 100 cities and municipalities in California alone are either currently insolvent and seeking assistance, or treading water by slicing budgets in an attempt to avoid the inevitable. Mayors and Governors are faced with a tough reality in this situation, either cut programs or go broke.
African Americans (and indeed, everybody) are going to have to largely turn their passions and talents to the private sector if the plan to make a decent living. The days of depending on uncle sam to bail them out are rapidly coming to an end.
By the way, the group that has benefited the most from affirmative action is white women.
You have no idea what your talking about when it comes to affirmative action...
It's so funny how conservatives immediately begin to attack or insult when the facts refute their crazy ideas.
Of course that's just my opinion, you are welcome to your own.
Second, the fact remains that public sectors are driving various jurisdictions into the poor house. They simply can't go on at their present levels. Its economically impossible. Granted you can raise taxes, but eventually they will still go broke (some just faster than others). Having ideals is fine, but if they are impossible to implement on a long term scale, its simply a waste of time. I am actually glad (as brazen as that sounds) that so many jurisdictions in CA and NY are going broke. I am glad because maybe now it will teach them a lesson that they need to act more responsibly in the future. Some people only learn when they are dealt harsh
consequences.
Third, budgets for federal employment initiatives are implemented by congress, not the president.
I know how budgets are implemented.