In keeping with the non-political nature of the board, the below comments are not intended to promote a discussion of politics.
We can hope for change, or we can change for hope! America is starting to see another huge wave of store closings and layoffs. For example, the parent company of Payless stores has announced that it will be permanently closing 475 stores. Borders is in the process of closing every single one of its 399 stores. Also, Bank of America has just announced that it will be closing about 600 branches, and that could result in the loss of about 30,000 good jobs.
You've dashed my hopes to follow in Al Bundys' footsteps and become a shoe salesman!
In all seriousness, job losses are getting pretty regular here in the Northeast. Once some of the lowest rates in the nation, CT is now at the national average of 9.1 or 9.2 which in reality is closer to 20%.
We don't count people who've lost there benefits or are no longer actively seeking employment. The unemployment rates are derived from only those actually receiving benefits!
I don't know where you live or if you do the engineering but check out SEL http://www.selinc.com/ they are a growing company wiht offices all over the world. We have one in Pullman WA and they are building a plant in Lewiston
