This slow but steady economic recovery is welcomed, but politically it might not be exactly what you would want to take credit for as a sitting President.
During a speech yesterday at Knox College in Illinois, President Obama said “we’ve got more work to do. Even though our businesses are creating new jobs and have broken record profits, nearly all the income gains of the past 10 years have continued to flow to the top 1 percent. The average CEO has gotten a raise of nearly 40 percent since 2009. The average American earns less than he or she did in 1999.”
Defense contractor Lockheed Martin reported that profits have gone up 10 percent this year, but some defense department contracted workers are still on furloughs due to the sequester, which is impacting their paychecks.
Joining the program is Dave Gassett, a mechanic in Arkansas who has worked for the federal government supporting the defense department for 38 years. He has been impacted by the sequester.
Listeners Respond to Economic Recovery and Uncertainty
The Takeaway wanted to know what some average Americans were thinking about the economy. On social media we asked: “Who or what would it take to restore your faith in the American economy?” Below are real listener responses:
Carey McKearnan said “a population of less selfish, self-serving people and companies. People, companies, leaders willing to invest in the long term future instead of short term gains and agendas.”
Saul Olivarez wants “an infrastructure bill along with a student loan relief bill. Both would help millions.”
Stacy Cooper says “overturn Citizens United, and probably a new Congress.”
Lazaro Bermudez proposes something radical: “A complete dissolution of the government and new elections with not one single incumbent. Just a start.”
“Real immigration enforcement and clean, free or cheap public transportation,” says Juniper Sails.