Obama: Job Losses A "Crisis" But Also An "Opportunity"

President-elect Barack Obama released the following statement on Friday's dismal job numbers, arguing that the economic crisis is also an opportunity.

"The 533,000 jobs lost last month, the worst job loss in 34 years, is more than a dramatic reflection of the growing economic crisis we face. Each of those lost jobs represents a personal crisis for a family somewhere in America. Our economy has already lost nearly 2 million jobs during this recession, which is why we need an Economic Recovery Plan that will save or create at least 2.5 million more jobs over two years while we act decisively to maintain the flows of credit on which so many American families and American businesses depend.

"There are no quick or easy fixes to this crisis, which has been many years in the making, and it's likely to get worse before it gets better. But now is the time to respond with urgent resolve to put people back to work and get our economy moving again. At the same time, this painful crisis also provides us with an opportunity to transform our economy to improve the lives of ordinary people by rebuilding roads and modernizing schools for our children, investing in clean energy solutions to break our dependence on imported oil, and making an early down payment on the long-term reforms that will grow and strengthen our economy for all Americans for years to come."

Comments

[westreal]

Let's do this.

[ohboynotagain]

Actually he said a lot Sundialsvc4. I'll wager you have no idea what he plans to do with his time in office. I mean he has been stating for quite some time what his plans are as far as getting the country back on track and gettign people back to work. I believe he mentioned something about rebuilding our infrastructure and how that will create jobs. Then again I guess maybe you weren't paying attention.

Try YouTube, it works.

[harriscrl3]

It is an opportunity to fundamentally restructure our economy. It is on unfortunate that we are a country that waits on until there is a crisis of epic proportions before we start changing how we do things. On 60 minutes Obama was asked does the fact that oil has dropped significantly means that we should forget about energy indepdence. HIs response was thats exactly why we must continue to do so. It wont be easy to get people to see it becuase gas is cheap but it MUST BE DONE. I thought to myself this is EXACTLY the kind of leadership we need right now. Remember during the debate how they wanted Obama to say which of his policy he will forgo because of the billions of dollars added to our deficit and he wouldnt say. Well there is a reason for this its because now is the time why his policies MUST go through. Now is the time to fix our healthcare, to restructure our ecnoomy to invest in schools to rebuild our roads and bridges. If we dont do it now it will NEVER get done

Carol

[Awakenedcitizen]

right, don't blame your flooded basement on the plumber who shows up to fix it.

[notthistime]

it is an opportunity. Strengthens his position that we need to invest in our jobs here at home, create more green jobs, restrict funding to companies that send job oversees and give breaks to ones that retains jobs here, invest more in infrastructure in building roads and bridges etc.

I agree it is an opportunity. Take our country back and invest in ourselves.

[liberation4life]

In all due respect, What?? I like you PE Obama, but where is the meat in that statement? I do not see how this statement helps our curent situation.

[canucklivinginUSA]

You might want to reread the article

[hortonhearsawho]

and your pizza gets there in 30 or less right...

[mcantwell]

And exactly what is our current President doing to "to help this current situation?"

[Peter007]

You are right. But that's all politicians can do. Most speeches are the same. They start off summarizing how bad things are. They then tell you that its not their fault but the problem was made long before they took office or came from overseas or outer space. Next they state how great American is and how we have overcome adversity before. Finally we all have to sacrifice. Sacrifice is the big nut. Higher taxes, lower standard of living. Re read most presidential speeches. Same template..­. every one..Bush, Clinton, Carter....­I could write the speech.

[canucklivinginUSA]

So, if I have to use your logic, we should change the template to say: Hey Americans, you're fvck! We have no more money, you are all out of a job, tough break mofos. Do you prefer that template?

[JimR]

Why don't you sit back and let the adults handle this.

[be4obamain09]

spoken like a true leader that we so desperately need now.
where is Bush on the weak data numbers, oh he' s buying a house so he wont be available for commets.

just Obama's words are reassuring to hear and a comfort in this time of hardship. at least someone is speaking to the american people to hold on and dont give up, help is on the way.

may Obama remain in this troubling time and fullfill his mission to change America

BE4BOin09

[carrieanna]

I totally agree! It's so nice to have a leader who provides sympathy and hope to his people.

[Sundialsvc4]

What did he say?

Oh.

Nothing.

[Tom95134]

Obviously, you can't read.

[OlskoolDem]

having trouble reading complete sentences??

[Roll451]

Reductionism taken to the point of utter absurdity.

[Sabreen60]

A mind really is a terrible thing to waste.

[JimR]

What did you say?

Oh.

Nothing.