A Letter to My Congressman
Tue 24 Aug 2010 Filed in: My Life
As a retired (read "unemployed") 65 year old widower, I have watched with interest the government's efforts to help the economy and create jobs. I understand that according to the government's numbers, each job created or saved has cost the government approximately $200,000; this is a significant investment that evidences a strong commitment on the part of the federal government.
That commitment has started me thinking. I think I have found a way to make a small but positive impact on the government's efforts. Instead of seeking a job that it will cost the government $200,000 to create or save, I will agree to stay retired (read "unemployed"). While that only removes one person from the demand stream for jobs, it is admittedly a small step in the right direction of lowering the unemployment rate. In exchange for my commitment, the government can send me $100,000. Since there is no need to create or save a job for me, the government's cost is reduced by $200,000. In short, the government will be $100,000 ahead and so will I, and you can take credit for helping to lower the unemployment rate as well as decrease the federal deficit.
This is a plan in which everyone wins! I know these things can take time, but I look to you, Congressman McDermott, to expedite my $100,000 check. Thank you for your consideration and help.
Sincerely,
Malcolm Brewer