Urgency to create jobs

Many educated Americans, who have lost their job for nearly a year, find that their unemployment benefit is running out. They are desperate to get a job. Some are willing to work for free, to show that they can contribution and wait for a chance to get a full time job later. Many are willing to work as day labor to get paid by the day.

In the past, during boom times, the free market was able to create jobs. Most of these jobs are created by small businesses. In difficult times, these businesses are not able to get credit, as banks are more cautious. Without credit, these small entrepreneurs cannot grow their business and employ the available labor.

Many people hope that the economic situation will improve. But, it could get worse - and this is the more likely outcome. There has been so much loss of trust in our business, financial institutions and even in the free market.

Many governments reduced interest rate to reduce business cost and encourage business owners to expand this business and create more jobs. This strategy does not seem to be working. It is now time for governments start to create jobs directly. It may be necessary to reduce the length of the work week so that the available jobs can be shared by more people.

The economic system has to change. We may have to go back to some form of central planning.

Tan Kin Lian