A job for everyone who's unemployed.

[OldOwl]

I know there are folks who just can't find work. My business has been off by about 50% for a few years now. But I do what I have to to get by. Sadly, the millions like myself get nothing from the government, and most of us self employed people don't want anything. But the government paints a rosy picture by not counting any of us as unemployed.

Still, there are many who found that unemployment is enough to get by on, and have found something to do to make cash on the side, and milk the system for all it's worth.

So the other day I helped my daughter register to vote. She just turned 18 and is starting college. My wife was worried that she might get picked for jury duty and miss classes. That was what gave me the idea, as long as all these people have no jobs, and have given up looking for work according to the news, they might as well all serve on jury duty. That will allow for the rest of us to not miss work/school and continue being productive. It might also prompt a good amount off mooches to get off unemployment. Just a thought.

[Booga]

That's not a half-bad idea. There is some risk though.
The only thing I can think of is the law of unintended consequences.

Unemployed juries might be more prone to dismiss cases because the unemployed may be excessively sympathetic to thieves, robbers, burglars who are "just trying to survive."

Unemployed juries might be even more willing to grant outrageous awards to plaintiffs suing companies. You think it's bad now, wait until the jury thinks "Hey, I could sue for that!" I'm not entirely sure this isn't the current situation... :(

I'm sure there are other things that people can think of that would be a benefit or curse with juries solely made up of unemployed people.

[HootmonSccy]

I am unemployed for the 1st time in about 30 years.. During a recent televised local trial, I'd thought the same thing about me serving on Jury Duty..
I neither would be too sympathetic nor to generous.. Now would be a good time as the unemployment pool is filled with something other than just slackers... You could get engineers and store owners and law assistance, and salespeople, and customer service reps, and, and, and..

I'm all for the idea (at least at this time)

[buddy]

While it is not a bad idea in theory, I think anyone on public assistance should be required to do some community service for their $. I can think of other things I personally would rather them do than serve on a jury. Litter pickup is one idea. Serving as part time labor at small business that need help is another. There are many other ways they can earn the money that comes from taxes.

[HootmonSccy]

While it is not a bad idea in theory, I think anyone on public assistance should be required to do some community service for their $. I can think of other things I personally would rather them do than serve on a jury. Litter pickup is one idea. Serving as part time labor at small business that need help is another. There are many other ways they can earn the money that comes from taxes.

Yeah, but I have a question.. IF I'm on Public assistance, and I am out picking up trash, and I get hurt.. Can I go on Disability (which might pay more) OR Can I sue the state for my injury, I'm sure there are lot's of lawyers that would like that personal injury case!!!

Anywayz.. they need to be drug tested and facial recognition software run at all the casino's and Bingo halls for people on public assistance..

IF someone on public assistance wins the lotto, does the state get the money???

Sadly, the millions like myself get nothing from the government, and most of us self employed people don't want anything. But the government paints a rosy picture by not counting any of us as unemployed.

What I think you are really referring to would be included with "Under-employment"-
Besides small business that are struggling, you have people with degrees that have worked in a field for some period of time, but can not find any work in their chosen area of expertise.
So, you have a person with a bachelor or master degree in bio chemistry who should be doing research or industrial work, but they are selling cell phones at the Verizon store because they can't find "real job"..
so, they should be making $95K (and paying taxes at this level) but instead they are bringing home $30K..
The government does produce some statistics on this, but I have NO faith in any numbers they are producing!!
Just like IF you fall off of unemployment because you have been on the program too long, you are no longer counted as unemployed.. You are still unemployed, but not counted.
Are they unemployed?? NO.. But they sure are Underemployed!!! This has a huge impact on our economy and ability to pay off the huge national debt that we are rapidly accumulating..

[buddy]

Yeah, but I have a question.. IF I'm on Public assistance, and I am out picking up trash, and I get hurt.. Can I go on Disability (which might pay more) OR Can I sue the state for my injury, I'm sure there are lot's of lawyers that would like that personal injury case!!!

Anywayz.. they need to be drug tested and facial recognition software run at all the casino's and Bingo halls for people on public assistance..

IF someone on public assistance wins the lotto, does the state get the money???



What I think you are really referring to would be included with "Under-employment"-
Besides small business that are struggling, you have people with degrees that have worked in a field for some period of time, but can not find any work in their chosen area of expertise.
So, you have a person with a bachelor or master degree in bio chemistry who should be doing research or industrial work, but they are selling cell phones at the Verizon store because they can't find "real job"..
so, they should be making $95K (and paying taxes at this level) but instead they are bringing home $30K..
The government does produce some statistics on this, but I have NO faith in any numbers they are producing!!
Just like IF you fall off of unemployment because you have been on the program too long, you are no longer counted as unemployed.. You are still unemployed, but not counted.
Are they unemployed?? NO.. But they sure are Underemployed!!! This has a huge impact on our economy and ability to pay off the huge national debt that we are rapidly accumulating..

Regarding your question about disability, it would have to be written into law that no, they cannot. I do not want to see that. As unemployed working part time for the gov, I don't think they should have the same rights as everyone else. However, if the state is somehow negligent, I don't think they should be immune.
I agree with drug testing though. I also think that all welfare and unemployment should be a loan, paid back to the taxpayers (for that portion that they did not earn through their community service)
We need to stop looking at unemployment and welfare as a right. It is no different than any other job and is not a right. No job is.

[nogods]

If I had to choose between a jury trial and my voting rights, I'd pick the jury trial. a jury stands between the "king" and the people. a jury can't prevent tyranny better than any other entity.

But that assumes that all of my fellow citizens will responsibly subject themselves to jury duty.

[OldOwl]

wow. Youz guys have your thinking caps on. I never expected that can of worms. Much great insight. I remember when I was little, my oldest brother got a divorce. His X went on welfare even though he paid alimony and child support to the point he actually ended up living in his auto body shop for a while I also knew a kid who was a drummer in a band I played in and his mom was on welfare and section 8 housing. In both instances, somebody from the government would drop by now and then without warning and go through their apartment and look for any sign that the X husband or a boyfriend wasn't living there too.

If the government have half a crap about fraud, they would offer a reward for turning in mooches liars and thieves scamming the system. and I would close down my business and start turning them in day and night and become wealthy.

I also realize there are people getting assistance who need and deserve it. But I see people even on my wifes side and my own side of the family who are making it a way of life, AND teaching their kids to inherit "the family business." Professional beggars. And I disown them all. Nobody seems to care any more.

I started paying SS when I was ten years old, and the ONE time I needed help, I asked them to LOAN me the money for surgery and I would pay them back when I got working again. They said they had no "PROGRAM" for that but I could get food stamps and yada yada yada. I told them to shove it all. We need some new checks and balances.

I was called for jury duty once some years ago. Turned out to be a slime ball and a young girl in a rape case. When the judge called me up and asked if there was any reason I couldn't be fair and objective, my mind went to a young girl I knew personally who'd just been raped and was scared to prosecute because of threats. after fighting back the tears I said that I could be fair, but if things started looking bad for the scumbag, I couldn't guarantee I wouldn't jump over the banister and beat him to death. They sent me home.

I just think that everybody should have SOMETHING to do.