In an interview with the Manchester Union-Leader, the first-in-the-nation primary state’s most-read paper, former Florida Gov Jeb Bush insisted “people should work longer hours”, as a key part of his plan to drive higher economic growth.
The comment is already being treated as a gaffe. But it is actually an accurate if perhaps over-candid explanation of his economic plan, which seeks to combat stagnant or declining wages by getting people to work more hours.
Bush has argued that his economic plan could allow the US to achieve average growth rates of 4% “as far as the eye can see”, a figure most economists believe is unrealistic for a mature economy like the United States. The “longer hours” comment was in reference to the historically low labor force participation rates the United States has seen in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis.
But numerous public opinion surveys and economic studies have shown that US workers log more hours than workers in any other industrial economy. The majority of Americans already work more than 40 hours a week. In fact, a 2014 Gallup poll found that 40% currently work more than 50 hours a week. The average American worked 11 hours per week more in 2006 than they or the equivalent worker did in 1979.
In response to criticism from Democrats, Bush’s spokesperson replied: “Only Washington Democrats could be out-of-touch enough to criticize giving more Americans the ability to work, earn a paycheck, and make ends meet.”
After I retired from service to my country I worked for tech firms in the Silicon Valley before leaving high tech to co-found a research company.
It was common for me to put in eighty hour weeks while on salary plus bonus prior to doing my own thing.
I’ve no problem with working long hours Jebba, but I think people should be rewarded proportionally for their work. At some point a wage slave tires of simply being a catalyst for the fulfillment of others dreams while being expected to be at the beck and call of clients, upper management and the endless demands of shareholder return.
I was fortunate to have the wherewithal to make my own way, Not many are.
And don’t give me any “risk and rewards” crap. I’ve taken risks the likes of which you and your ilk have done your best to avoid.
Bush: Under My Plan"People Should Work Longer Hours"
Sounds like a winning slogan, ¡JEB!
And he’s the smart one???
And here I had thought I’d never have to utter the words “fuck you, Bush” ever again. Boy was I wrong,
Jeb just lost the election. Goodbye, Jeb.