Work doesn't count...?!
Michael Steele, the new RNC Chairman is either not too bright or he thinks he is using a talking point that makes sense to everyone who has ever had a job. But he makes no sense.
He claims that government work is not a job.
Check out this exchange:
Yeah, that's right. Work is not a job.
This is the second time he has said this in a week so he must believe it.
But just on the face of it this thinking is absurd.
Now, forget for a moment that he himself worked for the government as a Lt Governor of Maryland for 4 years and forget the fact that the government, right now, employees millions of people at local, state and federal levels. [And the military too].
He has to know that people who work for the government make money. When they make money they spend money, when you spend money you grow the economy and help keep business in American afloat.
Conversely, if everyone in the government were laid off tomorrow there would be a huge hit to the economy.
Mr Steele's main argument is that government jobs are not permanent because there is a contract. But so what?
First, there is no job security anymore. The world of 10, 20 or 30 years at the same job is pretty much over for most of us.
Second, he doesn't take into account that with government jobs someone is always working - it is a revolving door. One contract expires and another comes along giving another employee [or the same one] work. You know, like Construction jobs!
Third, most jobs these days in the private sector last no longer than the government contracts because employees move on to another job - thus leaving room for another employee. Just like the government contract.
Fourth, many, many jobs are now going oversees never to come back. [On a side note what good is it to reward a corporation who moves their work force overseas?]
Fifth, if the government only creates temporary jobs it can [at the very least] serve as a bridge between the stronger private sector job markets of the early 2000's and hopefully the next few years.
Sixth, If you are an employee do you care if your job is a government contracted one or a private sector one? No. Just so long as the bills can be paid and you can buy the things you need for your family and for yourself [like dvds, shoes, a new iPod].
I'd understand if Steele was talking about the furniture movers over by the local UHaul. Because, after all, these workers work for only a few hours and then go back to looking for more work. But government workers are given extended contracts that can last for years. And, if a government job creates a bridge or better infrastructure then we have something we can all use. A new bridge, better roads, etc.
Mr Steele has to get better [and wiser] talking points or his work [not a job, remember] as the RNC head will be over in two years.
