Nancy Folbre, UMass Amherst economics professor, writes in the New York Times Economix blog about differing opinions about how to deal with the high levels of unemployment. She notes that the issue is becoming politically polarized with conservatives arguing against extending benefits and more liberal politicians seeking to extend jobless benefits. She also says some people contend that wages in the U.S. are too high and need to be adjusted downward and people who are out of work need to lower their expectations and take any available work. A columnist writing from Michigan, which is experiencing high levels of unemployment, cites Folbre’s views in a piece about why some commentators and officials actually blame the unemployed for their situations. (New York Times, Mlive.com, 6/21/10)
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