We need jobs: With all the spending cuts fervor, officials better remember bottom line

The sexy headline now for elected officials is to point out to the community just how many dollars in cuts they have found in federal and state budgets.

And don't get us wrong, there is still plenty to cut in the state and federal budgets.

But as we continue to try to figure out what is next for this economy, we had better make sure someone is remembering the real challenge -- jobs.

The numbers don't lie. The unemployment rate might be lower, but there are still plenty of people who are underemployed or who have simply given up.

And that means our economy is on a dangerous trajectory -- and one that cannot be solved with a whole bunch of government jobs we cannot afford.

If America really wants to be the leader that President Barack Obama said it should be in his State of the Union Address, then someone somewhere is going to have to figure out how to attract investment, research, jobs and possibilities.

We can continue to demonize those who make money and to discourage entrepreneurs from investing in new ventures with excessive regulations and punitive tax rates.

We can continue to point fingers at those who have worked hard to be successful and who are the ones taking the risk right now on new ideas and industries.

Or we can remember what America is supposed to be about. No one came here guaranteed a handout and an income. If you want to earn more, you have to work hard -- and there should be a reward for that hard work.

The American dream is not dead. It is just languishing, waiting for someone in Washington and Raleigh to make the decisions necessary to put it to work.

Published in Editorials on February 7, 2011 10:35 AM