Latest unemployment numbers spell trouble for Obama

WASHINGTON – In the not too distant future, don’t be surprised to see a legion of blacks standing outside on a street corner near you holding up a “Can’t lie: I need a Meal” sign. On Friday (July 8), the U.S. Labor Department divulged the nation’s unemployment numbers for June.

The jobless rate is back up to 9.2%, a figure that would be significantly higher if both the underemployed and those who have conceded rejection were included.

Now, the prospect of a double-dip recession appears inevitable as U.S. politicians struggle to find an antidote. Speaking of higher, the black unemployment rate continues to marinate at a depression-like 16.2 percent, including 17 percent for black men, 13.8 percent for black women, and (gulp)… 39.9 percent for black teens.

A Chicago-based employer cited a plethora of racial stereotypes in describing blacks as “uneducated,”  “unskilled,” “unstable,” “illiterate,” “dishonest,” “lack initiative,” “unmotivated,” “involved with gangs and drugs,” “don’t understand work,” “lack charm,” “have no family values,” and are “poor role models.”

Ouch!

People, if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: As African-Americans, we must remain cognizant of the fact our reputation, even if false, precedes us. For progress to transpire, it’s imperative we rectify our eroding socioeconomic image. And we must do so pronto.

Like the repenting alcoholic, the first step in fixing a problem is to first admit you have one.

We can start the correction process by condemning Lil Wayne and commercial forces alike who advocate and profit from the perilous sale of gangsta rap, misogyny, excess tattoos and all other filth counterproductive to landing gainful employment.

In addition to stereotypes, we can’t underestimate the rising economic power associated with globalization and outsourcing. Public schools within the urban community have routinely failed to produce enough qualified applicants for what has become a dwindled job market.

It’s no secret black dropout rates have skyrocketed in recent years while college enrollment has subsequently descended; specifically in the case of black men.

If morale isn’t low enough, studies have shown African-Americans equipped with college degrees are hired at a far lower rate than their white counterparts; regardless of GPA and/or experience.

High prison rates among people of color have played an even bigger role in the decimation of Black America as ex-convicts are typically ignored in the job market.

Then there’s the rumor some employers simply refuse to interview candidates with black-sounding names. Imagine that? The Tyrones, Chiquitas and Alfonsos of the world don’t stand a chance.

President Barack Obama is catching hell too.

In retaliation for escalating black unemployment, the Commander-in-Chief has taken a savage beating in recent weeks from radical Democrats Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West; setting off a war of dissenting words within the urban community.

Even the ‘Fly Jock’ Tom Joyner is talking smack.

“These two (Smiley & Dr. West) have done much worse than what (Mark) Halperin has done because they set the tone for it, opened the door to it, and must take much of the blame for creating a climate that would make a white, professional journalist feel comfortable verbally and vulgarly attacking the first black president of the United States,” Joyner said.

Halprin is the MSNBC contributor known mostly for calling Obama a “dick” on the air.

To compound matters, Obama’s $800 billion stimulus program is taking major heat for the disproportionately smaller share of stimulus contracts given to African-American and Latino business owners. Just think, Obama secured 95 percent of the black vote when elected into office.

And this is the ‘thanks’ we get?

So, what’s the forecast?

Look for black joblessness to eclipse 17 percent by year’s end. A sharp increase in crime will immediately follow. The fact Obama and his administration refuse to confront the black unemployment problem publicly only adds dirty dishes to the pest control problem.

Does Mr. Obama have your vote in 2012?