Elders Lowering the Unemployment Rate?

The US national unemployment rate has remained near 10% for many months - too many months! The Obama Administration and the Democratic Congress have made some efforts to correct the situation, but unfortunately most attempts have fallen short of changing the status quo. There is one suggestion that I would like to make for reducing the unemployment rate - a follow-up call to one I made months ago.

If you are 70 years old or older, have amassed at least $1 million dollars in savings and have a solid retirement portfolio, I do not believe that you should be in Congress or any government body, be running for public office, or should be holding a full-time position in any company. This is my honest opinion.

Do not misunderstand me. At 70, you still have a lot to offer. You can still make invaluable contributions to our society. However, why should someone at 70 or older, who is "set for life" (subject to your own interpretation), occupy a seat of full-time employment while so many college graduates and middle-aged workers are out there languishing - wasting away? Yes, you have worked hard for what you have and to get where you are. That is commendable! But, let me appeal to you to think of tomorrow - our country's future. How long can we afford to have precious minds, talents and skills sitting idly?

Elders, thank you for blazing the trail and for opening up many opportunities for the rest of us. Now you can help us again - and lift our country out of economic doldrums. We still need you, so I am not suggesting that you disappear. However, may I suggest that you adjust your work schedule?

Below is a list of what I recommend:

1. Cut your hours to part-time or move into a consulting role with less pay. This will mean a step up for each person below you and an entry level opening for a college graduate or someone else.

2. Cut back on your hours at work and travel the country sharing your expertise in small towns and cities (collect a nominal fee to cover your expenses). Again, one person on each level would move up to fill the gap and your company would be able to hire one or two persons at the entry level.
3. Give up your full-time position and work as a consultant, with less pay, to your company. The result will be same - your company will be able to hire one or two persons (depends on your cut in salary) on the entry level.

4. Give up your full-time position and travel to some hard-hit areas to offer training to those who are looking to better themselves. They will benefit from your many years of experience, setbacks and victories. This move on your part will open up a position or two in your company, and it will prepare others to move into other openings. And,

5. Give up your full-time position and travel the US with your spouse and loved ones. (You could retain a consulting role in the company.) This time with loved ones will be indescribable, plus you will pump needed cash into the sluggish economy. Also, your company would be able to hire one or two persons. Everyone wins!

There you have it. Was that so bad?

I urge you to think about this. You have sacrificed a lot to make the United States what it is today - O, beautiful! - O, glorious! - A beacon of hope! - "The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!" Now the United States needs you to keep it on good footing.

Will you heed the clarion call?