Published: May 12, 2008 11:19 am            

Bright or bleak future?

Never in U.S. history has education and training been more important than it is today. Why? Because unskilled labor today is in competition with illegal aliens and cheap labor in China, India and other countries. The economy grew between 2004 and 2006 but the income of medium families did not rise.

Low income families are now suffering from increased prices in milk, eggs, bread and gasoline. Congress and the administration subsidizing the production of ethanol by the use of corn has contributed to higher food prices. An import tax on ethanol causes higher gas prices.

When a young couple marries, it is difficult to maintain a home if on minimum wage. After having children, the wife often must go to work. Sometimes, this leads to inadequate supervision for the children and more problems.

It is reported that over a million children drop out of school each year. Parents should plan ahead financially and encourage children to attend college or a technical or special skilled school.

School dropouts, with a few exceptions, will likely have a bleak, uncertain future.

        

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