"Listening to the Jobs Report" Synthesis

The article, “Listening to the Jobs Report” discusses the need for a more sensible stimulus package. In the last jobs report, it was reported that more then 1.38 million people had been unemployed for six months or more as of January 2008. The last time the unemployment numbers were so low was after the 2001 recession. The author of this article focuses on the issue of unemployment increase that is occurring in the United States just as it is occurring to the residents in Flint, Michigan.

After the 2001 recession Congress extended unemployment compensation once the initial thirteen weeks of benefits was exhausted but in the upcoming stimulus bill congress may not include an extension to the unemployment compensation. The Republicans are blocking the jobless benefits while the Democrats are pushing for an increase in benefits. The Republicans argue that and extended unemployment benefits will cause those unemployed to not be motivated to look for a new job as quickly. If the lawmakers would trim the less effective stimulus measures under discussion, including the tax rebates for the rich, it would leave more room for jobless benefits for the unemployed.

Over 17,000 jobs were lost in January, the worst it has been in more then four years. On top of the large numbers of jobs lost there was also a decrease in the numbers of jobs created. During the same period the year before 169,000 jobs were created compared to the 42,000 jobs that were created this year. The decrease in jobs being created should only give congress an even more reason to approve the stimulus package, which includes an extended unemployment compensation.

With a decrease in jobs being created and an increase in the number of people being unemployed means those who are already unemployed will stay unemployed for longer due to the lack of jobs to search for. The unemployed are also more likely to stop spending, which also deprives the economy of the much needed boost. The long-term unemployed are also more likely to settle for jobs with little pay and no benefits, which only prolongs the spending boost once they do go back to work.

This article can be closely compared to the documentary “Roger and Me” by Michael Moore. Both authors are trying to portray the message that people who are unemployed need financial help and they need help from the Government. The people of Flint, Michigan were suffering from a large layoff due to the closure of the General Motors Factory. The closure of the factory closely relates to the idea that the author of “Listening to the Jobs report” is expressing, that with an increase of the unemployed also comes a decrease in jobs being created. In both articles, the authors show that when people don’t have jobs it also affects those current operating business because the consumers no longer have the extra money to shop. “Listening to the Jobs Report” focuses on gaining the Government support while Moore shows how the people are affected. Each author offers two different ways to comprehend the two articles allowing the audience a broader view of the situation.