As Jobs Are Lost in Recession, So Is the Middle Class - NYTimes.com
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Opinion Journal
This article is an unfourtunate story, but is prevalent everywhere right now because of the recession. Many live in poverty want to get out, and in order for that to happen, they need help from the government. Because at this time everyone is suffering, the poor are not able to advance, and the middle class are not able to keep their modest but successful standing in todays society because of the job losses.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of Ms. Thomas, who was not able to afford the registration sticker for her car and because of this was forced out of her middle class lifestyle, I feel that there should be a way for the government to investigate and let go this minor offense, even supply her with the sticker during these hard times, or let her pay in installments. Instead they cruely took her car away from her, which eventually ruined her economic standing further. During the recession, the government should not only be bailing out the large coporations, but helping the citizens.
The government should be doing more to aid the people in our society who have suffered from our economic down fall instead of focusing on other things. This story goes to show that every part of the country is being greatly affected by this dramatic economic recession. our government should be more aware of people's situations and attempt to assist in fixing this issue all over the nation.
ReplyDeleteRachel Besser
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
This story reflects what is happening to many families in modern america. There are many small costs in every day american life that have become viewed as necessities, when in reality they are not. Because of this middle class people cannot afford to buy everyday things that are expected in society. This causes many to live beyond their means, which resulted in the recession.
Sadly, this story is only one of many in which this recession has left people's lives in shambles. It is getting to the point that people cannot even afford the essentials for living. Our government needs to be more aware of these situations and prevent more citizens from falling under the poverty line.
ReplyDeleteChristopher Murry
period 1
The fact that our middle class is shirinking is alarming. The American middle class is the backbone of this country. The prices of everything has gone up, which means people cannot afford the necessities they need to survive. The goverment should take note of this situation and try to to stop it from growing.
ReplyDeleteSara Khan
Period 3
I personally disliked this article on the basis that all things mentioned is old news. Its clear to everybody that our middle class is shrinking, and we know who to point fingers to. However pointing fingers is not productive. Every American is feeling the effects of this economic recession, but personally I think the negativity in the media is unnecessary. I know we're facing an economic recession but the news we hear will make it into an economic depression (figuratively).
ReplyDeleteGabriel Ushinohama
Period 6
The middle class is growing smaller due to the wealthy getting wealthier and the poorer getting poorer, many corporations CEO's still earn rediculous amounts of money, while there are people who are dependant on welfare just to serve food to their families. with the growing rate of unemployment this margin between rich and poor is going to continue growing, unless people restore faith in the market.
ReplyDeleteThe Market is based on estimation and people's faith in the economy. people have been scared into saving which has lead to the countries economy to come to a screeching hault. as a result prices have dropped and the value of some items have dropped, but people still are reluctant to spend and to invest. if people don't begin investing the economy will collase completely.
Jonathan Cannon
P. 3
i wasn't sure what to think after reading this article. Its saddening to know when it comes down to it that wages have remained stagnant for over 25yrs, while our cost of living has rose tremendously. I also feel touched by ms. thomas's struggle. A woman just trying to do the right thing by her children, it's almost like the government is set up against us. They say they want americans to go to college and get a good education, by they i mean our preseident and his fellow cabinet members, but yet as history as shown this is not easily accessible by all americans. This is a problem that should be solved, maybe instead of pumping money into failing businesss(**cough cough GMC and chysler) we could be providing for our lesser privileged students, and parents of these students, so they too can becaome productive members of our, hopefully, increasingly productive society.
ReplyDeletePERIOD 5
This exert has opened our eyes to the economic reality that we're living in the U.S today, while some of us have problems adjusting to a more frugal lifestyle, others are struggeling just to get out of poverty.This suggests that as a Nation we need to be more concious and reduce the unesessary spending. Theres no such thing as "easy money" now a days and we all have to earn our living, and thats excatly what Ms. Thomas was trying to do. The goverment should also provide more finantial aid for those unfortunate such as Ms. Thomas whose offend was very minor. The goverment also should pay a little more attention to the general public or "the individual" instead of just focusing in large business.
ReplyDeleteThalia Michaels
P.6
Period 6,
ReplyDeleteSad story, but a reality check to those who think they can just slide right through things. Education is the key to a better living, though I'm not saying it will get you a job or everything you need but the higher level of knowledge you withhold the more likely you will be resulted to in difficult situations, and the more likely you will be paid for your smarts. If there is a will there is a way and patience is virtue. Hopefully the government, the media, and the people will be more informed about the current financial situations and conquer the budgets and market of living. Unfortunately, money is the catalyst of everything these days so we the people must me meticulously prestigious on what we spend, how we spend, and the future outcome of the spending's.
The article is portrayed from the standpoint of an economically depressed citizen in an economically depressed region of the United States. The fact that she has no specialized abilities reduces her scope of jobs. The individuals that have been struck the hardest by this economic downturn are the ones working in the services sector like Ms. Thomas. About "easy money", it really does spur the economy. Entrepreneurs are willing to bet outrageous sums of money for an idea or product that they see has a high potential. This risk and invest of monetary capital is necessary in a capitalist society where money is made with huge transactions between nations and corporations. If there is one productive thing government can and should do it is to invest in science and engineering. If America is to maintain its place as the world's most powerful and wealthiest nation it must invest heavily in this industry with proportions similar to that during the cold-war, since we are now in the cold war against China. Finally unless new industries and businesses sprout and proliferate, jobs in the services industry will continue to be in low demand.
ReplyDeleteDaniel F Diaz
Period 1
This story is a precise example of the economic issues in the United States today; many Americans are going through tough times and have similar situations to Ms. Thomas. Although acquisitiveness played a major role in establishing the current financial system, the people of our nation had to support their needs regardless of their low salaries. The government needs to understand the needs and desires of its citizens, and use Ms. Thomas as a perfect example of an economic situation that is hurting the nation's financial management.
ReplyDeleteJolie Schrager
Period 6
Living in boca we dont see things like this, but there are numerous unfortunate stories like this one, out there in the real world. Our government needs to aid the average american because they are the people who hold this country together. Simple basic life necessities are being taken away from people with no where else to go. This economic crisis is beginning to take away the lives of average americans and it is necessary that immediate action is taken to try to solve this problem.
ReplyDeleteThe article gave a very good over view of how are current economic crisis has occured. I can see how without regulations the banking industry kept lending money in areas the author describes as fantasies compared to investments in renewable energies and other technologies that create products and jobs.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see a very good comparison of Ms. Thomas problems and the economic crisis. I believe Ms. Thomas simply lived above her means and could have avoided the devastation of poverty if she had learned more about managing her money. The article contrasts governmental financial structures with individual and personal decisions. One failure doesn't always have to lead to another.
~Jackie Green (Period 6)
Sad story, but its the same sad story we hear about every time we turn on the T.V. Ultimately, the police officer was just doing his duties. He had very little jurisdiction over the situation, letting her go, yes, a possibility, but obviously not in his eyes. Even after this event someone could have stepped in and dismissed the outcome of the whole event. The government is poring our money into aimless companies set for failure. The government is trying to pull us out of this recession, but they also need to balance how they are going to do it.
ReplyDeleteLindsay Smith Period 5
This article is unfortunately true. In this economy, the gap between the ich and the poor is much greater. It is clear to see who can still afford luxuries, and who is struggling o just obtain the necessities. America needs to find an effective way of dividing the two groups of people and helping out those who need it. Any tye of financial ai that could be produced by the government to help the lower class would be a great help and could help boost the economy again.
ReplyDeleteElan Kissin
period 6