Consider programs to encourage entrepreneurs

I think creating new jobs in areas of the country that have suffered severe loss of industry is a good idea. If restoring manufacturing is feasible, that seems a good idea also.

Mining coal seems to be more of a problem. Extracting coal is expensive, dangerous. costly to transport, leaves many areas in terrible shape after strip mining, and leads to significant air pollution, regardless if it is burned here or in China.

Furthermore, coal is being undermined, so to speak, by natural gas. In any event, creating jobs is going to cost federal government money. The expenditures will likely be through incentives to companies, but incentives mean cost.

Beginning. I believe, in India, the microloan program has empowered people all over the world to become successful entrepreneurs. I suggest a similar type program which I call micro-entrepreneurships.

Grant money could be given to states (an idea more acceptable to Republicans). An individual or groups of ordinary people can submit a proposal on an idea to improve the local community.

Such ideas could be: rehabbing homes to enable people to remain in them; handyman programs at little or no cost; recreation programs for young people to withstand the drug problems; tutoring programs to support local schools; teacher aides; auto and plumbing repair, smoking cessation groups, nutrition groups, etc.

Hopefully, states which receive the money would be asked to come up with money as well, for health and addiction clinics, more teachers and better schools, etc.

Not every displaced worker may want to be an entrepreneur but such a program could be empowering for those who do. And empowerment is an antidote to hopelessness.

John P. Brennan

Mount Prospect