The Government Can Create Jobs | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

Renewing the American Dream requires opportunity. Opportunity for work. Opportunity to get a job.

Unfortunately, we are obviously beset by a crises in the lack of jobs (not to mention good jobs).

In looking to solutions, there is this troubling message about claiming that "the government can't create jobs."

Clearly, this claim flies in the face of history and reality:

The Government Can Create Jobs | AFL-CIO NOW BLOG

It also flies in the face of the fact that the alternative job creator that is suggested we should rely upon -- private industry -- is creating a woefully inadequate number of jobs currently. Furthermore, it is clear that we cannot depend on it to do so anytime soon as long as exists the economic reality of depressed demand for their products and services. And that demand will not rise as long as average Americans -- the long-neglected middle class and 99% -- continue to suffer through chronic joblessness, underemployment, and wage stagnation. It is a vicious cycle (which will not be fixed by the other big deception: that somehow "less regulation" and "lower corporate taxes" will somehow spur job growth).

One thing that would really help to take us out of this viciousness is a WPA-CCC type government jobs program. There are plenty of jobs that need to be done -- from repairing bridges to cleaning up parks -- and personally I am convinced that not only would the unemployed by happy to be able to earn some real wages, but most Americans would be happy to see tax dollars to something so worthwhile.