Is USA still the promised land?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

... while some things are worse than they used to be, a lot of other things are a hell of a lot better too.

True words.

[rebeccajo 14]

I get the impression you think our upbringings (yours and mine) were dubious or something - shameful - something to 'flee' from - that the 'Ivory Tower' should have been a goal.

You are projecting a lot on my comments. I said no such thing. All I have suggested is there is not much of a future in a manufacturing job in this country. That is not judgement on the people who do those jobs, but on the economic reality that has been experienced by many people in this country.

And I honestly do not see anyone using the phrase "working class" or "blue collar" on this board more than you do (you did, after all bring it up), usually with the implication that you "get it" when it comes to adversity and no one else apparently has those experiences when expressing an opposite view to your own. Like I said, most people who pass the age of 30 have been knocked back a few times. Life can be pretty hard.

I still strongly believe there is opportunity in this country. I know a lot of people who are currently unemployed who are struggling but not on the precipice of financial ruin. I also believe that while some things are worse than they used to be, a lot of other things are a hell of a lot better too.

Well, I guess I use the phrase 'working class' and 'blue collar' because that is most of the population where I live. We don't have a 'financial sector' here - we don't have a 'technical sector'. I live in the Mid-Ohio Valley - an area between the borders of WV and OH where there were once many plastics and raw chemical plants. We had Shell, Borg-Warner, DuPont and a host of others. My understanding is these facilities were located here during the 50's because of the location along the river AND because the workforce were loyal, hardworking and relatively cheap compared to other parts of the country.

So I write what I know about. I know about people and families who have left the area. I write about the dwindling tax base. I write wondering what WILL replace the manufacturing jobs - what will be the next 'thing' that propels my community and the country. It's all well and good to suggest people train themselves for a new skill. It's helpful though if the people have a small clue what skill might be needed.

I don't disagree that many things are better than they used to be. I'm only 51 you know - I'm not one of those snarling old farts sitting in a rocking chair whinging about the good old days. On the other hand I have lived long enough to have seen what I consider to be quite a lot of change in this country that gives me pause. Like I said I am only 51. My perceptions are based pretty much on things that have happened in the last 30 years - not a long time really. What I used to live on in the 70's (and live nicely on) is poverty now. I can recall the advent of HMO's, PPO's, pre-certification and other changes in the health insurance industry - things that make it harder for people to get service for a vital need. Just stuff like that. It just all seems like so much, so fast.

*shrugs*

I can't NOT see it, Robin. It's where I live. And it's like much of the rest of America. Good, hard working people just trying to stay happy, healthy and looking for an honest break that they'd be perfectly happy to work hard for.

Edited June 10, 2009 by rebeccajo

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Regions of the county with economies dependent on one sector or another are prime examples of failed local leadership. It is the role of the state and the county to provide incentives to attract a diverse corporate/business base and not have the local economy reliant on finance/coal/auto/etc.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Another thread with info related to the subject of this thread:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=202009

[LaL 418]

Most people aren't 10 minutes and a boardroom decision away from personal financial disaster.

* 50% of working Americans would run out of money in 1 month or less if they lost their job; 28% would run out of money in less than two weeks

http://www.metlife.com/assets/global/butto...-study-wide.gif

Yeah, you're right it's not most- according to this article, "most" would need one more %, at least to be a majority

jinx!

Edited June 11, 2009 by LaL

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

50% is for a month or less. 28% is for two weeks or less.

I don't know what the % is for 10 minutes

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

They would run out of all their net worth in 2 weeks or run out of liquid assets?

What this study may prove is that most Americans need to be re-educated about financial planning and living within their means.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

They would run out of all their net worth in 2 weeks or run out of liquid assets?

What this study may prove is that most Americans need to be re-educated about financial planning and living within their means.

It's a survey and this was the question:

IF EMPLOYED: If you were to lose your job, for how long could you afford to be out of work and still meet your financial obligations including monthly expenses?

I imagine different respondents answered with different 'frames' in mind.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Also, page 14 of the survey has some interesting information on what people consider necessities. Items scoring above 50% in 2009 are 1 car, 1 house, washer/dryer, internet access @ home, a TV and a cell phone.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I suppose if you think about the question it's asked under the assumption that your expenditure would remain the same. I'm sure most people would be able to cut back or downsize in some way. I could shave my monthly bills considerably, if needed.

The risk of losing one's job is a reason not to carry large amounts of debt and to aspire to have about 3 months salary in an account that can be accessed easily in an emergency.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Also, did respondents take into account UI payments? I know for me, my UI would pay my mortgage, gas/electric, cable/internet and cell phones.

eta: assuming i dont have them take out taxes, which nj will let me do.

Edited June 11, 2009 by Randomizer

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

UI in CA would cover the rent for a 1-bedroom apartment (not my current apt), and most essential bills. Not much left over though.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Interesting. UI out here is pretty generous.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

It's pretty decent here too, though obviously cost of living is high

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I bet.