To the unemployed: Look for next door
I have read with interest and compassion the various articles pertaining to our current economic crisis.
Stories that delve into feelings of helplessness of unemployed people are balanced with stories of hope and new beginnings.
It constantly amazes me that some people pick themselves up after a job loss to either find new jobs or go back to school rather than wait for a government handout.
Businesses tote the party line when they claim to feel sorry for workers they have to lay off. Keep in mind that businesses are in the business of making money. The simple fact of the matter is that if you do not produce, then you are gone.
I have known of several cases of loyal employees who have been “let go” because they were no longer wanted or needed ó myself included. I worked 34 years for a roofing company.
In June 2008, I suffered a seizure at home. My neurologist informed me that in 80 percent of the cases, the cause of my type of seizure went undiscovered, and I would, in all likelihood, never suffer another one.
I was instructed to refrain from driving or climbing a ladder for six months. The owner of the roofing company informed me that since I could not climb a ladder, I was no longer needed.
At the age of 63, I retired, even though I had intended to work until I reached 65. Luckily, I had prepared for retirement.
Next year, I plan to substitute teach and go back to school to earn my degree in Spanish.
To everyone out there who is pondering a future of unemployment, always remember that with the help of God, family and friends you will survive. The old adage is true: When one door closes another will open. You will survive.
ó Jim Anderson
Mocksville
Curse of automation
Question: How do we get out of the recession?
When we went to work in the 1980s and ’90s, we had to use our hands, backs, eyes, minds and feet to get a job done. Now, I consider that the 25 percent of the working population who used their minds have put 75 percent of the working population out of a job. How is that, you ask?
Remember the song about John Henry? He drove spikes into railroad ties to hold the track to the ties. But he was only one of many who were replaced by a machine that could do more for a lot less. This was called automation. Every time a machine is developed to do the job of more workers, this takes the food away from another family.
It was great when they developed the computer. Now look how many jobs it has taken away.
I am sure that there are a lot of jobs out there that could be done by one or two men for minimum wages. And if the nation would get together, we might get out of the mess made by all the rich people who have all the automated machinery.
ó David A. Smith
Salisbury
Yow’s life message
I read the Jan. 31 article about Coach Kay Yow’s funeral video with much interest. It was nice to see a picture of N.C. State player and former Salisbury star Shayla Fields. Thank you for printing this inspiring article.
Later, I decided to read or hear Coach Yow’s parting remarks. When I went on the Internet and googled Kay Yow, numerous sites popped up. The American Spectator had a connection to click for Coach Yow’s funeral video. She presented a very important life message. I encourage others to take advantage of hearing this video.
ó Ruth Brown
Salisbury