Daisy Guzman looks at a employment newspaper as she waits for an interview at JobTrain employment office in Menlo Park, Calif., Wednesday, March 4, 2009. The government says the nation's unemployment rate bolted to 8.1 percent in February, the highest since late 1983, as cost-cutting employers slashed 651,000 jobs. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

A jobs agenda

EDITOR: Politicians have dropped the ball on jobs. More than 16 percent of the adult workforce is unemployed or underemployed. The economy and job market have left many feeling battered.

Because our careers tend to define us, feelings of emptiness and defeat often follow the loss of a job. Many have stopped believing in possibilities, especially people over 50. Older workers face age discrimination for the first time in their lives, seeing their jobs outsourced or occupied by younger, less experienced workers who are paid less.

People all over are struggling financially and watching their dreams shatter. Along with the economic hit, there is a psychological hit. Extended unemployment can lead to self-defeating thoughts and a loss of self-confidence, putting one at risk for depression.

Unless more people start working, paying taxes and making mortgage payments, it's difficult to see how the economy can be revived or the long-term debt challenge resolved. The urgent priority should be getting people back to work. When will Washington put jobs at the top of the national agenda?

SIERRA KELLER

Windsor

UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy:
  • This is a family newspaper, please use a kind and respectful tone.
  • No profanity, hate speech or personal attacks. No off-topic remarks.
  • No disinformation about current events.
  • We will remove any comments — or commenters — that do not follow this commenting policy.
Send a letter to the editor