JOBS

Okay, you're a presidential - advisory. What advice would you give to create jobs, and get the broken economy back on track?

Here's an idea: Instead of all the baby boomers working until they drop dead, or making them work longer then the current SS retirement age, how about find a way to allow older workers to either retire or be fazed out - as needed. Let's say everyone at 60, or over. If you haven't made by then will you ever make it? If you have made it, then you probably have enough to quit working. Look at each and allot them a decent retirement situation based on their lifelong (thus far) achievements and current requirements. Not a level that is necessarily desired, but at least adequate (the Social Security concept). I know, it's socialistic - yes it is and the Capitalist would have to be on board - perhaps like Canberra did with a stock ownership plan that distributed the wealth a lot better. Of course that depends on company performance, but if you look at CEO bonuses (even for badly performing companies) and outrageous salaries for some individuals (despite their talents or success), money can probably be found (taken if not gifted, in some case instead of prosecuting, or giving to the wolves).

Okay so some people will have to vacation in Appalachia instead of the Alps - more money stays here, meaning more jobs here. Others needing/wanting something to do can work as volunteers - perhaps reducing size of government payrolls (of course that will lose jobs in the public sector). Some will deserve nothing but a hovel and enough for meals.

By opening the positions held by the old fuddy-duddies, the next echelon of middle-aged workers move up and new workers are hired - of course at lower/startup wages. A lot of experience is lost, you say? Yes, but that can be overcome with the phase-in time for hand-holding and just plain fumbling through it - can service be much worse than it is? In some cases new/good ideas will win out over "we've always done it that way".

What do you think?