Our politicians tell us either the economy is growing, or we are on a precipice of a recession. What is the real truth? The Job growth these elected officials are talking about are those jobs lost or put on hold during the pandemic., not real growth, but a simple return to the status quo. Take some information, put something shiny onto it, and call it new, and behold, some imaginary good news.
11.8% of the Caribbean’s population hold 2-3 jobs. About 23 million Americans hold 2-3 jobs, while in Canada 6.9 million Canadians have held 2-3 jobs since 2021. These rates have increased. The things we do to pay our bills, feed the family and hold onto the image that we are stepping up in our economy.
Did you know that our Canadian Politicians have given themselves a raise, while we all endure the high cost of living, inflation and an overall decline in our bank accounts? Prime Minister now makes $379,000 (21,200 raise) while M.P.’s make $189,500 with a $10,600 raise. Nice eh? All this while we the great unwashed receive no significant pay raises while experiencing the pressures of a demanding economy.
Nearly 2.3 million Canadian Seniors have to maintain more than one job and continue to work to provide for themselves. Today in America more than half of the seniors have no or little retirement savings. Our past generations live in financial peril, unable to service their healthcare, home or car repairs or feed themselves properly. Go to a senior home, and find the costs to be unaffordable for most. No problem right? These private firms will provide for many of these seniors only as long as their pensions, retirement funds and savings last. For many, the prospect of a bright future is not planned or thought about. While seniors grow older, their funds dwindle, if they exist at all.
Work, work and work some more. The average wage for a young person is $18-21 dollars an hour. Seniors are often paid this amount also. Has our society failed these people, those who begin their life path, or those who built our society? Has the cost of living over the years made saving something for the future unattainable? Have, any of us failed to plan, save and look to the future instead of living each day by day?
The cost of living today will add pressure onto these people, your neighbours and your friends. Corporate greed, unrealized expectations and an economy without a soul will send many of us to the grave. 22.1% of 100,000 people in America think about or actually commit suicide. Many are a result of circumstances beyond these people’s control. A feeling of dread, fear, despair, loneliness and hopelessness drive some of us to an unexpected end. We have been given messages through advertisements, corporate propaganda and societal expectations that we deserve a good life, a great future and restful retirement. What has happened? We work hard and once we pay our dues, there is nothing left.
Prosperity exists for those who take, while the rest of us will be able only to give. Give of ourselves time, service, hard work, ambitions and dreams hopefully fulfilled. Reality truly bites.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
[email protected]
Stats from Canadian, US Government websites.
