America's Biggest Jobs Program -- the U.S. Military
Robert Reich:
America’s biggest — and only major — jobs program is the U.S. military.
Over 1,400,000 Americans are now on active duty; another 833,000 are in the reserves, many full time. Another 1,600,000 Americans work iin companies that supply the military with everything from weapons to utensils.
Read this. I’ve had some conversations that treaded along these lines with a few people. The economy and desperation, and a lack of support from the government, are no doubt forcing more people to consider the military as an option. I almost joined the Army when I was 17 out of desperation — compared to the situation I was in, it seemed like a sweet deal (this was just before/leading up to the invasion of Iraq).
But with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan — just to start with the list of issues — what kind of options do people really have? How is this a solution? How is this good for America or the world?
