Putting the Cart Before the Horse

"Jobs" and "the economy" are flash words with no deeper meaning being detailed or reflected upon. Talking about getting Americans back to work involves much more than simply "creating jobs." First, the workers, the people, the American citizens--the human beings--need comprehensive attention in several ways. So what are some rarely if ever talked about causes concerning Americans' ability and readiness to go to work? Depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, poor literary skills, ill health including dental problems--even toothlessness-- hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, and the very real feeling that too many Americans have that they'll never live more than paycheck to paycheck despite how very much they would like to. An honest discussion about getting people back to work must also include a comprehensive educational vision. No one can dispute the well known facts that American students fall well below international standards in science and math. While these truths are important, what about the fact that many students of American high schools graduate with minimal reading and writing skills? A reminder of this is proven by the fact that colleges across America have seen the need to institute remedial or "developmental" English, reading, and math courses to address the reality that a high percentage of incoming students cannot read or write at a college level. In fact, many who graduate with a high school diploma are functionally illiterate. The "big issues" which dominate media and political attention dwarf many of the fundamental necessities which must be addressed before "jobs and the economy" can hold meaning or hope. Continuing to ignore some of the underlying reasons why "jobs and the economy" have overtaken the platforms of current U.S. political parties is akin to putting the cart before the horse.