I'm Definitely Going to Stop Watching The News

I'd barely finished the post on closing "Gitmo," when I read the 'socialistic' views being shared by Obama's Economic Adviser, Robert Reich. I realize we are in dire straights and sorely in need of rescuing, and I don't have an inkling how to stop all the businesses closing, the failing real estate market, and the extreme loss of jobs in this country. I do however, think that an Economic Adviser should limit his opinions to money issues and not delve into areas where he isn't qualified...at least in matters that involve employment.

Here's only part of a transcript from Mr. Reich's recommendations: (Source,http://michellemalkin.com/2009/01/22/robert-reich-keep-stimulus-money-away-from-skilled-workers-and-white-male-contractors/)

"People can be trained relatively quickly for these sorts of jobs, as well as many infrastructure jobs generated by the stimulus — installing new pipes for water and sewage systems, repairing and upgrading equipment, basic construction — but contractors have to be nudged both to provide the training and to do the hiring.

I’d suggest that all contracts entered into with stimulus funds require contractors to provide at least 20 percent of jobs to the long-term unemployed and to people with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. And at least 2 percent of project funds should be allocated to such training. In addition, advantage should be taken of buildings trades apprenticeships — which must be fully available to women and minorities."

NOW...here's the good part:

REICH: …”I am concerned, as I’m sure many of you are, that these jobs not simply go to high-skilled people who are already professionals or to white male construction workers…I have nothing against white male construction workers, I’m just saying there are other people who have needs as well.”

Now bear in mind that he's discussing the retrofitting of bridges, buildings, and roadways. I'm all for offering positions to women and minorities as well as other unemployed people, but there are many of these so-called professionals who are also sitting on the sidelines, with no paychecks, and they've worked many years to gain the status they've achieved. So now, because they've reached a level that can be considered professional, we're going to punish them? There have to be better places to even up the playing field. I don't know about you, but if I drive my car across a bridge or take an elevator up to the 55th floor of a building, I'm more concerned that the person who did the repair work was highly trained more than I am about the color of their skin or their gender. Is it just me or has everyone lost their minds????