Editorial
We have a problem

   We have a problem. Either there are not enough employable people or the ones capable of holding down a job don't want to work. It's possible the answer lies somewhere in between.
   Observing the local employment scene there are multitudes of positions open for just about every kind of work. Don't cry that low wages are the culprit because some of the choices available offer excellent remuneration plus a great benefit package. 
   Granted there are jobs which are lower on the pay scale. But it does not explain why your local newspaper has published a full career page for a number of months. Businesses are desperately seeking employees.
   In fact, one suspects money is not the villain. It's more likely attributable to laziness, the good fortune to have a support system (otherwise known as the 'marks') who are willing to take care of these people supposedly seeking employment, or an easy access to social assistance. 
   No matter how efficient the system is supposed to be there are always those clever enough to scheme their way to the money. On the other hand there are legitimate others simply needing a hand up at a bad time in their lives but aren't able to get assistance.
   No doubt most of us are aware of or personally know developmentally disabled people currently holding down a job. They are conscientious hardworking individuals - a real plus for any venture. These same people would be insulted to receive any assistance unless they, too, were making a contribution (i.e. part time employment suited to their skill level). One has to admire and commend such strength of character.
   It's unfortunate that strong, healthy people with the potential to achieve and prosper aren't interested. The sky is the limit. The only limits exist in their minds. If they think they can do something they likely can, within reason. By not setting the standard high, people would never have an inkling of what they're truly capable of.
   An idle mind and an idle body are dangerous, not only to the individual, but to the rest of society. We cannot move forward if our youth sit back and do nothing. This also includes some members of the current generation.
   The writer would like to clarify a few points. Not all our young people lack ambition to do something positive with their lives, nor are they all lazy. Individuals who legitimately require social assistance and/or AISH, receive it for good reason. This editorial is not about them.
   It isn't possible to compare the work ethic of 100 years ago with todays'. We live in an entirely different world with changing values and roles. Technology has changed the face of the work place. One thing is certain - although things never remain the same, not moving forward and being unproductive is not a work ethic.
   It could be said that our youth have never been taught a healthy work ethic. If this is true the fault lies at the feet of the parents and other role models. Unfortunately, one sees many cases where parents try to instill values and proper work ethics in their offspring and fail. In other instances, some young people have absolutely no guidance whatsoever in their lives, and yet become exemplary citizens.
   It's true adults must set the example and teach their children about the things important to their future so they can be happy, healthy and productive individuals.
   But, in the end, once one is out of their teens (this is primarily the group that worries me) they have to take responsibility for their actions and their lives. Each one of us is the architect of our own fate or destiny.
   Sitting back and letting others take care of you when you are old enough and capable of making your own way is ludicrous. Their children will reap the folly of their ways because of our aging work force, some of whom have already retired. Others will follow and eventually it will be up to this generation. Who will take care of their offspring? Who will keep law and order, run the governments and preserve the environment? The list is endless.
   One day these 'sleeping beauties' will awake to discover they live in an alien world. What happens then? The jury is out on that particular question.
   We truly have a problem.