Why Americans need to get back to work soon!

[Arnold Hayes]

By now everyone knows that everyday the U.S. economy is sinking deeper and deeper into recession. Along with this comes a since of despair that we don’t see on the evening news. 568,000 people lost their jobs in January alone. There are moms, dads, sisters, brothers and children who are directly affected. More homes will be lost and cars repossessed. More people will go hungry and will need assistance. More business services will not be needed and even more people will loose their jobs.

This morning there was a tentative deal in effect; President Obama may sign the Recovery bill by Monday. Will this stop the tide of layoffs? Probably not in the short term, there will be more pain on the way. But it is it is a good step to help restore confidence.

This is going to be something we will never forget. We are going to have to summon strength that we did not know we had. We are Americans, we can weather the storm. It’s just that now is not the time to be selfish; it’s a time to be compassionate. Here are 5 things you can do to make a difference.

1. Realize that that people you see everyday, at work or at the gas station may be losing a job or has already lost a house. Be responsive to their needs.

2. Volunteer to help anyway you can. Usaservice.org

3. Help people develop new skills.

4. Donate time and money.

5. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Arnold Hayes