Pomona College
Economist and Dean of Pomona College; editor of The Review of Black Political Economy
PROFILE
Cecilia Conrad
Guest
FROM Cecilia Conrad
Which Way, L.A.?
Long-term Unemployment and Bridging the 'Skills Gap' Continued unemployment at 8.2 percent is not just a political story, but a measure of human misery. When formerly middle class workers are on the streets with their children, what's the future of the "American Dream?" We talk about the human cost of long-term unemployment for millions of Americans, the causes and potential solutions.
To the Point
Long Term Unemployment and the 'American Dream' The relentless 8.2 percent unemployment rate dominates coverage of the presidential campaign, but it's much more than a political story. It's a measure of human misery. Some 5.4 million Americans have been out of work for more than six months, and that's being called "a national emergency playing out in slow motion." As the Middle Class is being "hollowed out," companies say they can't find qualified workers. Is there a "skills gap?" Are employers too picky? Is long-term unemployment making a myth of the promise that willing work is the key to upward mobility?
Recommended
To the Point
Janesville and the American Dream Janesville, Wisconsin is the hometown of Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. But he couldn’t prevent the closing of the General Motors factory after 100 years. On this Memorial Day rebroadcast of To the Point, we hear what’s happened to what once was a model of American middle-class unity.
To the Point
Replacing Obamacare: Now you see it… now you don’t As the Senate deliberates replacing Obmacare, health coverage for millions of people is at stake. There've been no public hearings, and a draft measure won't be made public. Is the House version so unpopular that that Senate is hiding a version that looks much the same?
Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
To the Point
Venezuela spirals into economic and political chaos Venezuela, a country whose potential for prosperity is unmatched, finds itself on the verge of civil war. What sustains the repressive government? With time running out, guest host León Krauze looks at what the international community can do to pull the country from the edge of collapse.