Dear editor,
As an economist, I read an April 26 op-ed article, “Personal effects of joblessness,” by Scripps Howard columnist Ann McFeatters with empathy not only for her but millions of people around the world who have no work to earn their living.
Unemployment and underemployment is not a social but socioeconomic problem of the world including the U.S., South Korea and India. I look at the unemployment problem as a terrorist of the highest order for any country individually and collectively as a global problem.
The observation “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” is not in tune with times. I believe that fear is an abbreviation for False Evidences Appearing Real and should not create panic among anyone.
To earn a living, work is a most natural thing without which one cannot survive. I believe that it is matter of time when it comes; you get the opportunity to work. We need to identify, understand, analyze and accept it with wisdom of educated risk the author rightly mentioned therein the article.
I appreciate the advice of the writer to the new generation that their first loyalty must be to their own sense of self-worth and pride in what they do. Let me add that everyone should be accountable to their true self as a soul. Spirituality ― the spirit to know actuality ― is the need of the day. I support the writer in “Brave new worlds don't come without downsides but there is reason to believe the future will bring good things” for not only the U.S. but the entire world (global village of today) and prosperity for those who work hard and innovate.
I disagree with the writer on “All we have to do is stop exporting jobs.” This is not in tune with the times of the World Trade Organization (WTO) regime and also not in good taste when we export our goods to the entire world. There is no harm in outsourcing the jobs to those who work with integrity and honesty with a cost effective approach.
Dr. M.M. Goel
Professor of Indian economy
Seoul