Editorial: Boomers and jobs

The following is an editorial from FOX6 WBRC-TV General Manager Lou Kirchen, first aired on Tuesday, August 10, 2010:

Double-digit unemployment…we need jobs in Alabama.  So I was discussing this with a young man, who is, by the way, gainfully employed.  He said, the problem is…you Boomers won't get out of the way…you won't retire… and make room for younger workers trying to get into the workforce.  You think you're supposed to work AND to run things forever.  He said this with a chuckle, but I knew he wasn't entirely kidding.  

Certainly, we Boomers have come along at a time in history when health care has greatly improved and life spans have lengthened, allowing folks to work longer…to remain active longer.  

But,  after an extended period of prosperity, just when many Boomers may have been about to retire, the turn in the economy has forced them to hang onto their jobs or, perhaps, return to work after having just retired…in some instances to help support their children or grandchildren in this lean environment.

If Boomers were to get out of the job market, would the job crisis be alleviated?  I'm not convinced that it would be.  What do you think?

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