Letters: Re-train the long-term unemployed
Re “Jobless benefits bill gains in uphill climb,” Jan. 8
President Obama is correct that the unemployed need a hand. But the likelihood of those who have been unemployed for a year or more obtaining new jobs in their old professions is remote.
The long-term unemployed need government-supported retraining in a new profession. And unless they participate in such a program, they should be denied unemployment benefits.
Yes, they may ultimately get lower pay than before. This may not seem fair, but in a free-enterprise society, there is no requirement for those with an income to indefinitely support those not working.
Where are the president’s ideas? Where are Congress’ ideas? And saying “no” to unemployment aid is not an idea.
Don Evans
Canoga Park
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