Column has jobs solution

To the editor:
Mary Sanchez’s column (Commercial Review 09/06/11), should be required reading for every member of the House of Representatives, and members of the Senate as well as the President.
Ms. Sanchez very adroitly and eloquently surmised and explained how to create jobs in this country. Research has shown that during the recession the biggest loss of jobs came from the middle class ($35,000 to $60,000 per annum).
During the so-called “recovery” the largest increase in job growth comes in the jobs that pay $20,000 or less. Is there growth in the middle income group? Yes, but relative to overall growth it isn’t enough to show an improvement in the unemployment picture.
This country isn’t going to recover by creating $10 an hour jobs. Many studies have shown that, as Ms. Sanchez pointed out, the gap between the rich and the poor is growing.
We will become a second-tier economy (China will be the world’s largest) because of what is emerging in China, a strong and vibrant middle class.
If you want to see what has happened and why to the middle class, take a walk past the old Sheller-Globe plant on the south end of town, or drive through Anderson or Muncie and look at the empty fields and buildings that once held the dreams of a strong middle class.
Sure you can get a $10 an hour job; the trick is trying to provide for your family. The middle class built this nation; a strong middle class can rebuild it.
Michael S. Kinser
Portland

Celebration
To the editor:
National Assisted Living Week will take place Sept. 11-17 and will feature the theme “Forever Proud.”
“Forever Proud” was chosen because the first day of NALW occurs on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. In addition to saluting the fallen, “Forever Proud” addresses the pride that Americans feel as citizens and active members of the community. “Forever Proud” represents pride in a life of work done well, in family and friends, or of a mastered skill.
NALW was established in 1995 by the National Center for Assisted Living to provide a special opportunity to bring together families, employees, volunteers, and the surrounding community to celebrate residents and the services provided by the staff within assisted living communities. Every year, the week-long celebration begins on Grandparents’ Day.
The “Forever Proud” events help us say thank you to our assisted living residents, many of whom have made significant contributions to our area as business people, civic leaders, emergency responders, teachers, parents, and grandparents.
Please take the time during NALW and the rest of the year to remember and visit our assisted living residents.
Everyone is welcome to visit our facility at any time. We are always anxious to show how good assisted living can be.
Deb Gaskill, activity director, Crown Pointe Communities, Portland[[In-content Ad]]