Robert E. Heath: Why all the ads if we have record high unemployment?

To The Daily Sun,

The news media keeps telling us that there is very high unemployment in the country. I do not understand why. Maybe I am missing an important part of the equation, and if so, I welcome letters here to inform me and others, as to the parts I am missing.

I read The Laconia Daily Sun, online, every day, as well papers from two other states (Maine and Arizona) and assorted other papers on occasion. Every paper I read has a very lengthy classified section and MANY employee wanted ads. These ads are for virtually every level of employment and every type of job. The ads run day-after-day, even week-after-week, yet we have high unemployment. Why?

I see signs in the windows of many businesses in the state looking for employees. I see yard signs, “help wanted.” Why are there so many jobs going wanting and yet the government tells us there are many looking for employment? I am retired, but when in business, I recall that those people filing for unemployment, actually had to prove they could not find work they were qualified for, before they could collect. Is this not the case today?

I do hope someone can write a letter explaining this phenomena as it baffles me and seems also to baffle the business people I speak with who are looking for employees.

Robert E. Heath

Center Harbor