the workings of the economy

This film is part of a series from the Zeitgeist movement. It's an invaluable look at how money really works. You could not go wrong watching any of their videos, most of which are online.

The knowledge about our collapsing world economy being a product of structural inequalities and outright fraud feels strangely liberating. The system was set up to only benefit one group of people — those at the top.

I mean, I know at heart that in a "normal" economy, my business would be thriving. I truly do not feel that personal mismanagement was the single cause of my being in poverty right now. My lack of business savvy was a contributing factor, but you can not sell when there are no customers who can buy.

is college worth the investment?

Here is an excellent video that analyzes the cost/benefits of a college education.

I have a serious disagreement with the NIA (National Inflation Association, sponsor of the film) about the possibility of a high school graduate making 35k in an entry level job though. Hey, I'd almost kill for a job with that wage and I'm in my 50's. Realistically, it's more like part time at $7.35 an hour — probably under $11k a year, well under the poverty line.

The emphasis on young people putting "savings" into physical gold and silver is misplaced — what high school graduate has a good enough income in an entry level job to do that? But I'm not going to quibble with that when the rest of this piece is so well done.

great new solution for our economy!

I'm wondering today what's going to happen to the next wave of broke, 'unemployable' people in the 45 to 65 age range, particularly as the months go by without a single response to my job applications. 'Unemployable' because basically, companies are stupid, and think that anyone over the age of 35 is useless. Age discrimination does exist. If you're over 50 now and without work, forget about getting a job. It just isn't going to happen, in my experience. I won't give up trying, but I have completely given up hope – of ever being in a mainstream life again.

A lot of us have gone through all our savings, retirement accounts, 401k's just to "keep the house and keep going". We aren't old enough to draw social security or a pension, and we are at the end of our resources. Will there be rising rates of suicides? God knows I think about it every single day as I get closer to homeless.

Well, here's a super idea whose time has come — again: The Poor House. Yes, let's just take all those oldsters who can't pay their bills and drop them off at the Poor House or Farm. We can make them work, the lazy bastards! Let them grow organic arugula to sell to the insulated smug and clueless wealthy in exchange for their keep.

 
From Wikipedia
Poor farms were county or town-run residences where paupers (mainly elderly and disabled people) were supported at public expense. They were common in the United States beginning in the middle of the 19th century and declined in use after the Social Security Act took effect in 1935 with most disappearing completely by about 1950.

Most were working farms that produced at least some of the produce, grain, and livestock they consumed. Residents were expected to provide labor to the extent that their health would allow, both in the fields and in providing housekeeping and care for other residents. Rules were strict and accommodations minimal.

Image in the public domain.
See also wikipedia for more information about Poor Houses.