This page has been archived and commenting is disabled.

Two Charts Exposing America's Record Shadow Welfare State

Tyler Durden's picture




 

There was a little mentioned tangent to last Friday's very disappointing NFP print of +115,000 (driven by a surge in temp jobs offsetting a collapse in full time positions): as David Rosenberg notes, the jobs number was about half of another far more important number - that of Americans applying for disability, which in April was +225,000. He continues: "this is the new stealth stimulus program - so far in 2011, nearly one million Americans have applied for disability and year-to-date, 333k have actually enrolled (covering 539k family members). In total, more than five million people have been added to disability coverage since President Obama took over three years ago." The punchline will make all those who adore (insolvent) welfare states shake with giddy delight: "So look - either safety standards at work have eroded dramatically or the "99%" have found a creative way to milk the system and turn the economy into a quasi welfare state".... Yup. What he said. Because remember: the BLS assumes that any amount up to the total 53 million people, is not in the labor force as they have other "wefare" based forms of government handouts and see no need at all to look for a job. Is there any wonder why US unemployment is realistically 20% if not much higher? As for the other chart, food stamps, we know that story all too well.

Source: Gluskin Sheff

 

- advertisements -

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:26 | 2404204 W10321303
W10321303's picture

Where are the charts showing the corporate welfare for Romney, EXXON, GE, GoldMan, BOA?....etc.......

Oh yes, I'm the GREAT Pretender.......ZH, in the closet and a major activist for the Serial Killer Clowns From Outer Space GOP!

The Austrain School says "Die in the GUTTER"

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:40 | 2404250 Bohm Squad
Bohm Squad's picture

The Austrian School most certainly does not say "Die in the gutter."

If you're interested, here is an article that debunks that fallacy:  http://blog.mises.org/5414/liberty-and-charity/

Also, Austrians are not pro-business - they are for a level playing field for all.  Pro-business laws and heavy regulation run counter to the Austrian view.

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 15:57 | 2404512 Logans_Run
Logans_Run's picture

Ignorant troll alert!

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 16:15 | 2404565 CrockettAlmanac.com
CrockettAlmanac.com's picture

The Austrain School says "Die in the GUTTER"

No, that's what is said by Keynesians and other statists. They're the one's with the prisons and the weapons, you know,

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:37 | 2405080 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture

W10321...

You don't get it.

Politics is the distraction.

Obamney or Romnama, it doesn't matter.

Bailouts, corporate welfare, it was and is all for the 1% and their remoras.

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:32 | 2404212 Cthonic
Cthonic's picture

Don't forget record high tax refund fraud via credito de los ninos

http://www.wthr.com/video?clipId=7054149&topVideoCatNo=103348&autoStart=...

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:30 | 2404220 MFL8240
MFL8240's picture

Hope and Change, hahaha!  Newth had this clown pegged perfectly, the food stamp President.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:36 | 2404234 moneymutt
moneymutt's picture

The US population is aging, so if you have more 50 somethings than 20 somethings, its likely to have increase disability claims due to wear and tear on older worker bodies etc. Average age of SSDI recept is 53 years old.

Also, I know of people who technically could qualify for disability who do not apply because they figure a way to make a living in spite of it, like an unhealthy computer programming that can cobble together freelance work, people doing part time work, people who once did manual labor getting desk job....but as economy worsens such people will have much harder time making it, the computer programmer will lose out to other bidders that never have a sick day, who can work all day and night to meet a deadline, the manual labor guy will not be hired for office job as so many better trained people vying for that job etc. When unemployment is high, disabled people have an even harder time finding work.

This is even worse phenom because the old bodies that often need disability are also the older workers that no one like to hire

The average SSDI payment is around $1000/month, better than nothing, but not much if you could work a decent job. So I suspect only the most desperate opt to SDI over work...althought fraud is not doubt an issue, given under table work people likely take for cash etc.

But getting SSDI is not super simple, unless you are obviously terminally ill, wait times are aroun 800 days. Most people get rejected first time, even with good cases, and have to hire a lwayer to get even compelling cases thru. I know a Vet that is fully disabled according to VA, due to both brain injury and a heart virus that left him that severely reduced his heart function not to mention eye injury, GI issues etc.. , these are well verified and verifiable claims, but because he worked some jobs post military SSDI rejected his claims which would have mostly helped his young kids. So even a guy with long list on uncontroversial medical conditions and inability to hold down jobs for any length of time since military booted him and the VA finding him fully diasble SSDI rejected him he has get lawyer to make case.

Also, definitions of diasbilities are no doubt expanding as they can better diagnose things, like brain scans showing clear injuries, etc...

Finally, I wonder if we are just so much unhealthier. Poor people used do lots of manual labor and they used eat the healthiest food, vegies and such, now produce is the more pensive food category, and bad junk is cheap, and poor people do less active jobs, so obesity and diabetes run rampant.

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 15:40 | 2404450 DosZap
DosZap's picture

Finally, I wonder if we are just so much unhealthier. Poor people used do lots of manual labor and they used eat the healthiest food, vegies and such, , and bad junk is cheap, and poor people do less active jobs, so obesity and diabetes run rampant.

BINGO!!!!

When your poor you eat whatever you can get the most of for the least.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 17:29 | 2404789 blunderdog
blunderdog's picture

    I know of people who technically could qualify for disability who do not apply

This is one of those things that's horribly underappreciated.  Most people don't WANT to go on disability. 

Yes, there's some corruption, some people find a way to rip off the system. Of course, people find a way to rip off EVERY system, so that's not a profound insight.  Amazing how many posters here think they're geniuses for such masterful grasp of the obvious.

I'm for ending the transfer payments for everyone, myself.  I think it'd be better for there to be some infrastructure for people to fall back on before it becomes reasonable to cut off the checks.

I don't trust government intervention, anyway.  I suggest legalizing crime.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:48 | 2405111 machineh
machineh's picture

I suggest legalizing drugs, which will cut "crime" (as currently defined, including victimless offenses) in half.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 20:05 | 2405134 blunderdog
blunderdog's picture

I'd be more supportive if I weren't concerned about my suppliers being driven out of business by Walmart.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:37 | 2404245 q99x2
q99x2's picture

They have to pay us not to riot. Can you imagine Occupy without foodstamps, disability and FASFA. We would have taken this country back years ago.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:21 | 2404915 Psyman
Psyman's picture

Welfare is indeed a bribe to the least useful members of society to keep them somewhat sated and prevent them from attacking/robbing/killing the more useful members of society.  "Useful" in the sense that those who are paid more are generally of more use to the fascist police state than those who are paid less.  Actual skills mean nothing.  It is all relative to your usfulness to the fascist state.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:10 | 2405039 DosZap
DosZap's picture

 "Useful" in the sense that those who are paid more are generally of more use to the fascist police state than those who are paid less. Actual skills mean nothing. It is all relative to your usfulness to the fascist state.

Exactly,those that have assets, and can be profitable when they kick the doors down, and steal it all................after they empty their banks.

After all, one Felony committed at your dwelling,( bag of weed considered large enough for distribution found on your property/inserted into your vehicle(at night), in your drive................bye bye.Gives them the right to seize everything you own, and ever hope to IN THE FUTURE.

And they get to keep all the proceeds to divi up after sale,or drive on undercover jobs.Every American is guilty of something,and when the card is pulled,its your turn.Too many laws, too many loopholes to charge you with SOMETHING,your absolutely helpless.

IRS is a prime example.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:49 | 2404279 sunaJ
sunaJ's picture

So look - either safety standards at work have eroded dramatically or the "99%" have found a creative way to milk the system and turn the economy into a quasi welfare state

 

Really?  Either/or?  It is a complicity for survival - the state and individual human beings.  If thedemographic of the 99% was trust fund babies and other independently wealthy people, then I would see the lazy entitlement you are trying to project.  People are struggling to survive and they do so in a system that is not based in reality.  That system has to come up with meausures of compensation or it would implode - terrifying to the state and hungry human beings.   When that system is more in-tune with reality, then maybe we can be a little more insistent that poor people find jobs that do not exist.

One question: if a college grad gets three part-time entry level jobs twelve months after graduation, did we add three jobs to the workforce or one? 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 14:57 | 2404298 StockHut
StockHut's picture

Can BlackRock come out with a welfare linked ETF so we can profit off this trend already

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 15:26 | 2404390 Hubbs
Hubbs's picture

Hah! even the doctors are collecting, like an ENT who after having lost his license from booze/dovorce, shoots his index finger off so he can get disability. Then there's the neurosurgeon who lost his malpractice insurance coverage because of fckup patienty abandoment case, whom one day I see working out at the YMCA, then the next suddenly "disabled" because of his back ands "can't stand long enough" to do neurosurgery procedures. How conveeeeenient. 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 17:36 | 2404720 spooz
spooz's picture

Far more common, I'm sure are the many who have become disabled through Big Pharma's growth models, which have contributed to the increased number of mentally disabled.  As I commented on Mish:

I'm convinced that Big Pharma is creating mental illness through creative chemistry. Questionable research studies on phychopharmaceuticals don't look at long term outcomes. The correlation between increased drug-based care for mental illness and increase in mental illness disability seems to point towards Big Pharma as the profit driven corporate structure that leaves us with this outcome. Why would they want to cure a patient, perhaps help with developing coping strategies, when they can have a customer for life? What makes it tragic is that Big Pharma targets the most innocent, the children, labeling them with adhd and beginning the cycle of abuse with drugs that are chemically similar to cocaine and meth. But lets just turn over health care to the corporate interests. Hurray for free markets.

http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2012/05/22-million-go-on-disability-since-mid.html?x#echocomments

 

Regarding the doctor, a family member who has to do a lot of lifting positioning patients for scans had a back injury.  Instead of going under the knife she rested it as much as possible while she continued working.  She considered disability, but the amount she could collect compared to her salary would have been a huge sacrifice.  But pointing at the little people who dare to cheat is so much more satisfying for the corporate shills.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:18 | 2404911 Psyman
Psyman's picture

You people usually like Ayn Rand.  Sounds like Atlas shrugged his way from the medical profession into a leisurely tax payer funded retirement.

 

I've got news for you, they're the smart ones.  Those of us working are the morons.

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 00:06 | 2405525 prole
prole's picture

"We people" usually like Ayn Rand do we? What sir or madam do "you people" peruse for light reading?

Carl Marx? Naah probably Trotsky, mostly raised on Leo Strauss and now the latest hip scribblings of Cass and Bill Ayers non?

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 15:41 | 2404439 denny69
denny69's picture

What are people supposed to do at this point? The rich bastards have been ripping off us, the government and anyone else who happens to be walking by their "subsidies" and Wall St. game for many, many years. Now, they're simply reaching into the banks and taking our money. Why don't these articles ever, goddam ever, publish what the wealthy get from the government, corporate tax breaks, personal tax breaks, etc.? Why? The implication is that most regular people want something for nothing. That's a very tired elite argument which usually winds up providing THEM with more money. This is a very cynical piece and what are you going to say when even more people go on the rolls because the jobs jsut aren't there? They've wound up anywhere else but here or in the pockets of the elites. One has to have a little faith in someone!

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 17:02 | 2404724 goforgin
goforgin's picture

Congratulations! This is what ZH is all about. I would hang all these ZH bastards along with all the bankers and CEOs, that's, figuratively speaking.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 17:04 | 2404726 Kobe Beef
Kobe Beef's picture

Have faith in yourself. Build faith in others. Make your own job. Find something valuable within yourself and do it like your life depends on it. Because it does.

The State will offer its false promises, but cannot and will not protect you from life itself. Instead, it will deliver you blinded and bound into the maw of its more favored minions.

 

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:16 | 2404902 Psyman
Psyman's picture

It's about control.  When nobody can work without approval from a bureaucrat, they'll know they've won.  When all self reliance and initiative is beaten out of the American sheeple, the central planners will rejoice.  They want you sitting at home watching TV or on the internet, complaining, waiting for someone to GIVE you a job.  That's exactly how it is in Spain.

 

America today, and increasingly into the future, will be a hierarchical fascist police state.  You have the proles on welfare/food stamps/disability, then the "working" proles doing low wage menial jobs, then the bureaucrats and other servants of the fascist state (police, teachers, the spies that read our email, anyone with a security clearance, etc.), and at the top of the pyramid a tiny elite that lives like kings.  These are the higher ranking members of the banking sector, those who run big corporations, those who run companies that provide services to the police state, etc.

 

The path out of the welfare class leads directly into the service of the fascist police state.  Serving in the military, becoming a cop, etc.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 15:49 | 2404478 Logans_Run
Logans_Run's picture

Wow! Look at that growth rate! I'm bullish Bender and Bender!!! Are they public yet?

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 16:34 | 2404621 The Swedish Chef
The Swedish Chef's picture

This is classical socialdemocratic GAAP. In Sweden they threw hundreds of thousands out of the work force this way in the ninties. 

 

It´s cheap, easy and gets unemployed out of the statistical way.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 16:53 | 2404699 goforgin
goforgin's picture

Interest payments on debt are bigger welfare entitlements. Half the rich living in exclusive Dallas suburbs are recipients of government military largess. That's real welfare, not the Mickey Mouse $130./month in Food Stamps or $800/month disbursed in disability.

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:09 | 2404886 Psyman
Psyman's picture

Fascism is the only game in town.  America is not a capitalist nation.  We are a fascist military empire.  The quickest path to richest leads directly through serving the brutal interests of fascism.  Whether as a contract killer in the military, a member of the police state in the law enforcement/intelligence/criminal "justice" apparatus, or providing some other service/product that they need.

 

The fascist police state is by far our #1 industry.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:52 | 2405117 machineh
machineh's picture

Unfortunately, it doesn't pay for itself.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 20:26 | 2405202 lakecity55
lakecity55's picture

Well, sure it does. Did we not get millions of barrels of free oil for killing Saddam?

Wherre did Bush hide it? It's goyya be somewhere, I mean, that was the deal, wasn't it?

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 16:55 | 2404710 gnomon
gnomon's picture

When our Reserve Currency dies, this program dies, (along with the rest of the welfare/nanny state programs). You know, family used to do these things.  That is what we will have to get back to whether we like it or not.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 17:53 | 2404842 billsbest
billsbest's picture

FDA Allows Mold, Insects, Rodent Hairs, Ammonia, Arsenic and Maggots In ‘Reconditioned’ Food

Could foul food be a congtributor - starting off on food stamps, then graduating to disability?

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:00 | 2404854 Psyman
Psyman's picture

Not to mention all the disabled veterans that could be working and aren't really disabled at all.  I know many of them.  Some of them have even moved to places with lower costs of living overseas where their disability check goes farther every month.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:06 | 2404875 c-riff
c-riff's picture

Fascinating stuff, as usual.  I am a pharmacist and was continuously suprised at the ppl getting disability.  Turns out it is just a shell game...these same people got endless welfare benefits prior to "welfare reform".  After that in the mid 90s they had to get a disease that could qualify for disability "low back pain" was a favorite until they creat TENS units and various uncomfortable remedies/treatments.  Fibromyalgia is now all the rage. 

 

Cheers...my first post!

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:14 | 2404895 blunderdog
blunderdog's picture

Beware: your government-protected employment is both a blessing AND a curse.

Bank some good dough pronto, it may turn out to be a short ride.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:28 | 2404937 Psyman
Psyman's picture

In a corrupt society like the United States the "ethical" man is a fool at best.  Ethics are road blocks put in the path of the peasant classes to prevent them from choosing the optimal path.  What "ethical guidelines" do the elite follow?  None, they live by pure individualist utilitarianism, they judge an action solely by what outcome it will create for themselves and their interests.

 

Anyone that isn't gaming some aspect of the system is an imbecile.  After all, we live and die on the whims of the fascist police state and its bureacratic masters.  To not seek the greatest tax breaks, tax dodges, and hand outs is to handicap oneself.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:54 | 2405120 machineh
machineh's picture

Just ask yourself, "What would Dick Nixon do?"

The questions answers itself! ;-)

(Or if you're a real hard case, "What would Spiro Agnew do?")

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:39 | 2404974 dugorama
dugorama's picture

I find the food stamps bit distressing.... by our own measure 15% of households can't afford to feed themselves?   yiikes!

But the disability chart ==> am I the only to notice that it ends in 2008?

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 21:44 | 2405321 BidnessMan
BidnessMan's picture

Obesity is rampant - with the bottom 20% the most obese of all.  Claims of widespread hunger?  Just open your eyes and take a look at the US population.  Households are feeding themselves just fine.  They have learned how to play the SNAP game, encouraged by the Hunger / Welfare Bureaucracy and Industry.

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 00:15 | 2405535 prole
prole's picture

And someone downvoted you bidnessman? Stupidity lives!

The fool above you  would have more accurately stated "by our own measure 15% of households can't afford to feed themselves?   BWAAHA nonsense!!"

The snap-card free apartment (or townhouse if you really milk it) queens around these parts, while signing out their free food at the grocery store hereabouts, I notice they have higher-tech full internet smart phones than I have, and then I see them (hip)Hopping into big SUVs which is to say- more expensive car than I have. These people seem to be feeding themselves quite well. Of course none of them has ever thanked me and my empty plundered pocket.

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 09:02 | 2406038 blunderdog
blunderdog's picture

  I notice they have higher-tech full internet smart phones than I have

You notice that, but you never noticed how much those high-tech smartphones cost the end-user, eh?  Keen eye for detail.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:48 | 2404998 yogibear
yogibear's picture

Even illegals are collecting multiple checks, getting free healthcare and college education for their kids.  Everyone is con-ing the system. 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:53 | 2405009 world_debt_slave
world_debt_slave's picture

hey, it's free Obama money, right?

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 18:57 | 2405019 TuesdayBen
TuesdayBen's picture

Large numbers of folks voted for these counterproductive fraudulent statist-contrived handouts without recognizing they and theirs would be funding them in perpetuity. Doh! Personal fuckup of considerable magnitude and lasting duration.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:14 | 2405045 spooz
spooz's picture

The only way to analyze the welfare state is to see where the "profits" are going.  You will find that Big Pharma, Corporate health care and Insurance are getting the biggest bites out of these increases, as special corporate interests are fed our tax dollars to prop up the corrupt crony capitalistic nightmare our two party system has become.  

Obama made a deal with Big Pharma before the negotiating on the "affordable" health care act.  Any real affordable health care will be SINGLE PAYER, with huge changes to the status quo.  There are answers, just not the ones the fascists are interested in.  Free market crony capitalism, folks.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 21:39 | 2405311 barroter
barroter's picture

handouts like the banks received..who pocketed nice bonuses from tax money....

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:12 | 2405041 Lokking4AnEdge
Lokking4AnEdge's picture

One word for the US economic condition : "Good"

Two words for the US economic condition: "Not Good"

........

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:30 | 2405054 dolph9
dolph9's picture

Our nation is a cesspool of lies, everybody knows it.

If you are honest in America, you are the sucker and pay the price.

I still get up and go to work everyday, because I have no choice.  But I'm dropping out in various ways, believe you me.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:25 | 2405068 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture

Has anyone said "Bullish for WalMart!" yet?

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 19:30 | 2405079 dognamedabu
dognamedabu's picture

The whole idea is to have one go.. I dislike paying gov so much, but hey, getting this for free seems almost too easy.  An hey, I don't pay tax anyways. Just give us your unborn childs child and you to can get from gov for free! Need to work really hard at my $10 job to buy in a debt/tax created world, but no matter, I can vote, Ims important. Meanwhile back at the HQ.. They really bought it..lol..I can't believe they bought it! High five Reteurs, High five all my minions.. Now get back to work. 

 

 

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 20:29 | 2405149 JR
JR's picture

oops! wrong article

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 20:29 | 2405210 frugartarian
frugartarian's picture

The welfare state in itself is a workforce. They should unionize welfare and demand living cost adjustments. Then the s&p will rally another 100 pts

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 21:24 | 2405292 spooz
spooz's picture

Not so far off as your (assumed) sarcasm would suggest.  Certainly the wealth created from productivity should go to the 99%, not the 1%.  

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 00:36 | 2405558 Axenolith
Axenolith's picture

Right before we all evolve into peaceful light beings of pure energy...

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 20:54 | 2405249 Yes_Questions
Yes_Questions's picture

 

 

So Fucking What!

I have no charts for this, but no way in hell conjured currency allocated for basic welfare, disability, food stamps etc. is anywhere near the sums conjured and allocated for saving the owners' criminal Ponzi, warfare, resource manipulation, etc.

 

Junk me, but we are only as strong our weakest link and are not focused on the real, fucking, leeches here.

 

 

I said Good Day!

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 21:33 | 2405300 Joe The Plumber
Joe The Plumber's picture

I see quite a few people arguing moral equivalency between corporate and individual welfare. Our country has become very cynical. My parents raised me to believe no one owes me a living and thats the way I raise my kids. Going Galt is virtuous. Gaming the system is not.

" our system of government was designed for a virtuous people. It will not work for any other."

Ben Franklin

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 21:34 | 2405302 Texas Fold-em
Texas Fold-em's picture

And the number of those filing for disability will continue to surge as our obese population ages, and so many of our veterans that suffer from mental and physical disabilities.

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 22:25 | 2405370 spooz
spooz's picture

And the number filing for disability will surge as Big Pharma's plan for long term profits on physopharmaceutical engineering sucks in our most innocent, the kids who are prescribed speed for their manufacured illness "adhd" created by an education system that makes no accomadation for labor units who fail to conform to standards, drugs them according to Big Pharma's plan, first with speed (ritalin/stimulants), then when they crash according to schedule, add an antidepressant, then when that starts becoming a problem adding in the antipsychotics.  Voila! Bipolar disorder!   A patient for life!  Such profits!  

Only thing, taxpayer ends up taking up the slack for the wasted humanity created by modern psychopharmacology.

Seems to me a huge proportion of those disability claimes are mental illness.  Ever see any long term studies on ADHD meds? have these DRUGS helped or hurt our sustainability long term?  Of course, don't expect to see any long term psychopharmaceutical studies.  Unheard of.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 21:42 | 2405316 jomama
jomama's picture

we (the workers) are the ones that are definitely the suckers here. 

those on top are scamming us through bailouts, fraudulent banking practices, and looting of our savings.

then those on the bottom are gaming the system for all they can.  who can blame them?  

i can't figure out who i'm more disgusted by, the ones on top causing everyone to suffer, or the guy with the brand new car and three kids, paying for a cartfuls of groceries with his EBT card.

i guess since i never see the scumsuckers on top, it's a bit tougher to hate them, but i do, and i wish them the worst possible suffering for their actions.  it's gone far beyond criminal what they've gotten away with for far too long.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 21:48 | 2405326 Shizzmoney
Shizzmoney's picture

Almost 17 percent of minimum wage workers have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

For years, the conventional wisdom for achieving career success was simple: go to college. But the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics call that advice into question.

Proponents of more education for everyone have often used BLS data to encourage students to pursue college diplomas. And it’s true that the Bureau’s lists of fastest-growing jobs often include many occupations that require higher education. But what the boosters fail to mention is that high growth rates don’t necessarily translate into large numbers of job openings. Yes, it’s projected that we’ll need nearly 36 percent more veterinarians by 2020, but that’s relative to the very small number that currently exist. Even at 36 percent growth, we’ll only need 22,000 more vets by 2020.

A more realistic way to examine the nation’s job needs is to look at another projection from BLS: “The 30 occupations with the largest projected number of total job openings due to growth and replacements, 2010-20.” Those data (shown below) reveal that nearly half of the jobs with the most openings will not even require a high school diploma. Only 18 percent of the total number of jobs on the list will require any kind of higher education at all.

With such projections, it’s no wonder that roughly 25 percent of bachelor's degree-holders under the age of 25 are currently underemployed (with another 25 percent jobless).

 

http://www.popecenter.org/commentaries/article.html?id=2689

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 21:53 | 2405331 ekm
ekm's picture

Sir

Are you calling social freaking sciences, higher education?!!!!!!!!!

Engineering is higher education, so is medicine.

The only thing they learn at social sciences is how to party hard.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 22:17 | 2405361 Joe The Plumber
Joe The Plumber's picture

I have seen these people. They get a degree in an easy major then they really believe government and industry will give them a managerial or consulting job thinking that employers will be falling all over themselves to hear the wisdom and recommendations from these newly minted college grads. Those graduates are really surprised when it doesnt work that way and no one is interested in listening to their shit

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 00:31 | 2405549 Axenolith
Axenolith's picture

Dude, real job descriptor for a guy in an urban planning magazine I saw the other day - Urban Sustainability Thought Leader.

 

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 22:55 | 2405419 El
El's picture

Whoa. Not to get off topic, but...Bank of Japan buys record amount of stock ETFs   http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bank-of-japan-buys-record-amount-of-sto... Looks like Japan isn't doing so hot.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 23:09 | 2405442 HungrySeagull
HungrySeagull's picture

Sir,

Japan is possibly in death throes with all the bad things happening over there.

Japan will endure, but what we knew then is all done.

Anyone can prevent a market plunge, just cart enough money to make it happen.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 23:40 | 2405493 El
El's picture

I'm going to change my nick to "IAmAGirl"

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 23:07 | 2405440 HungrySeagull
HungrySeagull's picture

Those who are declared disabled are no longer in the work force.

I miss the old Vocational Trades such as engine building etc... Any number of these during high school will generate a good workforce in all States that don't require training to begin work.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 23:21 | 2405465 Cosimo de Medici
Cosimo de Medici's picture

How much does sympathy cost?  What is that level of wealth transferred from the "abled" to the "disabled" that finally cripples society?

There is a limit to everything, even sympathy.  Yes, it would be nice if we could all be caring and empathetic, but we simply cannot afford it.  That is a harsh reality.  We have all read a newspaper and seen an article about a ferry that overturned in a storm somewhere far away and left hundreds dead or missing.  We turn the page.  They're dead, and we're not.  Nothing we can do, or rather there is nothing we want to do or choose to do about the dead or their survivors.  It's not our problem.

Yet for some reason we are held financially accountable for people who just happen to be living within the the same borders as us.  All of us suffered an accident of birth.  Some of us suffered a disability.  Those who have had slightly better luck are forced to cover for anyone and everyone who has had worse luck, and as the charts indicate, transfer an ever-increasing portion of the wealth created to those whose circumstances make them dependent.  All of this stems from simple randomness, either of birth or cruel fate.

No society can afford this in perpetuity.  We have some tough decisions to make, like it or not.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 23:28 | 2405475 spooz
spooz's picture

spoken from a true 1%er.  FU fascist.

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 23:47 | 2405491 Cosimo de Medici
Cosimo de Medici's picture

A ferry overturned in a squall last week off India's east coast.  Hundreds died.  It was in all the papers, though on page 36 or so.  Maybe you missed it.

Obviously you are selling your LED TV, iPhone and F-150 pick-up to provide funds to comfort their families, right hypocrite?  Or are you a "facist" of convenience?

Your boundless empathy may have impacted your mathematical ability, but if not, go ahead and plot "entitlements" as a % of the national budget over time.  Since you seem to have the answer, tell us all where the endpoint is.  How much is too much?

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 02:01 | 2405606 spooz
spooz's picture

 

You must be an outsourcer, keeping such close tabs on what is happening with the global worker units.

Obviously you think that for some reason we can't figure out a way to spend our country's wealth in a fairer way, only in ways that enrich the 1% at the expense of the 99%.

 As far as how much is too much, only the mythical bond vigilantes can say.  Having the fiat currency helps, so I guess we can go pretty far, I expect.  Certainly we can figure out a way to provide the safety net for our unemployed people without having corporate interests soaking up as much as they can of it. I would start with health care since that is the part of the "welfare" that is growing fastest.  Lots of way to fix that, but again, corporate profits will have to be sacrificed.

 

 

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 23:49 | 2405501 Yen Cross
Yen Cross's picture

 The hell with this redundant B/S. We all know thw state of the Union Tyler! What really kills me now, as an avid currency trader, is the use of " OPTIONS" every 50pips! These F..king MOMO - Real Money guys are are a joke!

 The currency markets are that illiquid, that options are needed to claim [ 50-100 pip moves] ? Here is another B/S tidbit for all you ZUCKER-PUKES!

                               Pick a Float! IG Markets  CFD's on Face Book, { Douche Book} I shit you not!

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 23:51 | 2405504 boogerbently
boogerbently's picture

I want mine.

Two wrongs make a right.

Everyone else is doing it.

Everyone gets a trophy.

Is "Entitlement Syndrome" a disability??

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 00:32 | 2405512 TheObsoleteMan
TheObsoleteMan's picture

Like I always say: "There are PAYORS, and there are PLAYERS." Which one are you? I love how an early posters said that the unemployed DESERVED TO BE, because they have no skills, education, or had personality problems. BULL SHIT. If you want to see worthless, just look into the eyes of an HR director. Now that is worthless. This country has been systematicaly gutted accross the board in all sectors, there are many people with skills and education that will likely never find a job in their previous fields ever again. Blame the victim you asshole. Your time is coming, just wait, your not safe from them either. There, got that off my chest.  Where did that asshole ever get the idea that new SUCCESSFUL businesses are being created daily? Where? In your mind? Most businesses I know are just trying to stay solvent, much less being successful and expanding market share. I propose remaining solvent IS the new measure of success.

Sun, 05/13/2012 - 23:22 | 2422649 qiongqiong
qiongqiong's picture

Coach Factory Outlet
Coach Outlet USA
Coach Wallets
Cheap Coach Purses
Coach Outlet
Coach Purses Outlet
Coach Factory Outlet Online
Coach Outlet
Coach Store Outlet
Coach Outlet Online
Coach Outlet
Coach Factory Online
Coach Factory Store
Coach Bags
Nike Air Max

Our Coach Factory Outlet goal is to let everyone be able to buy the Coach Outlet USA for her own. Coach Wallets or Cheap Coach Purses in the cheap Coach Purses Outlet are available now with the best condition and Coach Outlet in the lowest price. Coach products from Coach Factory Outlet Online have classic design yet in top fashion sense. The artwork of Coach in the Coach Outlet is so delicate and distinctive, perfect in details. Coach Store Outlet is a great Coach Outlet Online store not only selling top Coach Bags but also other Coach accessories. Coach Outlet does not let you down on Coach quality, design and workmanship. Coach Factory Online also is a good place for you to enjoy Coach items. In this Coach Factory Store, you could get the best Coach Bags at the best price. So are other Coach accessories, like Coach shoes, Coach wallets or Coach jewelries. Of course, if you love other brand shoes, Nike Air Max is a top one for you! Welcome!

Sun, 05/13/2012 - 23:24 | 2422650 qiongqiong
qiongqiong's picture

Coach Factory Outlet
Coach Outlet USA
Coach Wallets
Cheap Coach Purses
Coach Outlet
Coach Purses Outlet
Coach Factory Outlet Online
Coach Outlet
Coach Store Outlet
Coach Outlet Online
Coach Outlet
Coach Factory Online
Coach Factory Store
Coach Bags
Nike Air Max

Our Coach Factory Outlet goal is to let everyone be able to buy the Coach Outlet USA for her own. Coach Wallets or Cheap Coach Purses in the cheap Coach Purses Outlet are available now with the best condition and Coach Outlet in the lowest price. Coach products from Coach Factory Outlet Online have classic design yet in top fashion sense. The artwork of Coach in the Coach Outlet is so delicate and distinctive, perfect in details. Coach Store Outlet is a great Coach Outlet Online store not only selling top Coach Bags but also other Coach accessories. Coach Outlet does not let you down on Coach quality, design and workmanship. Coach Factory Online also is a good place for you to enjoy Coach items. In this Coach Factory Store, you could get the best Coach Bags at the best price. So are other Coach accessories, like Coach shoes, Coach wallets or Coach jewelries. Of course, if you love other brand shoes, Nike Air Max is a top one for you! Welcome!

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!