Layoffs create problem for more than 26,000

LEE REICH, Delray Beach Web-posted: 8:04 p.m. Feb. 11, 2001

Much is being made about the layoff of 26,000 workers at the Chrysler plants, however the truer number is 100,000 because when daddy is not working, mom and the two kids do not eat as well. The laid-off man rarely finds employment at his pay scale or he hopes that there will be a recall. Often this never comes. He takes any job just to maintain his dignity. Some few get better work. But many turn to alcohol, or social services to keep bread on the table. Some commit suicide.

I know by bitter experience. I was president of a steel workers local in Buffalo, N.Y., at the American standard Bond Plant. American Standard closed in August of 1975, leaving 1,450 people unemployed.

This problem affects us as well. These unfortunates pay less or no taxes and too many become needy and drain our taxes in this way. Think hard before you ignore the problem of the unemployed. It might be yours some day.

http://sunsentinel.com/opinion/daily/detail/0,1136,37500000000106399,00.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), February 13, 2001