US Workers Starved Into [Military] Service

[Nikki Stone1]

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/10/23-6

It was only a matter of time before the nation’s skyrocketing unemployment translated into new recruits for the most powerful military force in the world.

With the official US unemployment rate at 10 percent and climbing (that’s more than 15 million people struggling to put food on the table) and nearly double that number if you include part-time wage-earners who need full-time jobs, never mind all of those ‘discouraged workers,’ it’s little wonder that so many of the nation’s jobless are flocking into its military recruitment offices.

After all, what better way for an unemployed American worker to survive the Great Recession of 2009 than in the ‘service’ of his or her country?...

...It is hardly surprising in such an environment that a young person with dismal employment prospects and plummeting self esteem would be easily seduced by an ad that promises “more than $49,000 in GI Bill Benefits” as does the US military’s current promo. The same ad promises that young recruits can “connect with military and veteran-friendly schools that offer VA approved education programs,” or “get information” about high-paying degrees like Criminal Justice, IT and Legal Studies. ...

More at the link.

[blues90]

1. That is what seems to be happening .nt

[BrklynLiberal]

2. That is precisely what the repukes/conservatives had in mind.

Poor public education, and poor job opportunities will lead to more military enlistments...ergo..more army to fight and make money for the military/industrial complex.

[Nikki Stone1]

3. I think you make a good point.

A sad point. :(

[ellenfl]

4. bingo! eom

[Confusious]

5. +1.....

Defend the interests of the rich.

[lunatica]

6. I've been saying this for years

I also suspect it has been planned and 'arranged' to happen. There's no need to start the draft again. Young people will have to volunteer.

[SharonAnn]

7. Yes, we had our granddaughter and her fiance here today. He joined because he couldn't find work

After two years of technical school (DeVry?) in mechanics, top grades, he looked for work for more than a year. He couldn't find a permanent job, just temporary ones or contract work. No bneefits, no future.

So, he joined the Army. He's being deployed to Afghanistan around the end of January.

He's a fine young man and will be a great soldier. It's just that it shouldn't be a desperation career for him when he has so much ability and so many skills.

[Nikki Stone1]

8. I know what you mean

I hope he stays safe and sound.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

9. Bump