Fed shouldn’t hike interest rates yet
Christopher Rugaber suggested that improvements in the labor market may prompt Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to lead the Fed in raising interest rates later this month (“U.S. job openings slip in October; hiring, quits rise,” AJC.com, Dec. 8). But here in Atlanta, too many people have been left out of the recovery, and raising rates would hurt their chances of finding a good-paying job. The labor market has not recovered for most workers, and the Fed should understand that from the data.
Yellen watches the quits rate — the percentage of workers who are so confident that they’ll find another job that they’re willing to leave their current one — to measure economic health. As Rugaber’s article notes, the quits rate has been flat for most of the year, signaling that people aren’t transferring to higher-paying jobs. And the growth that has occurred has been very uneven. Here in Atlanta, black unemployment is 9 percent, more than double the unemployment rate for white workers. Nationally, the youth unemployment rate remains above 15 percent, and wages remain flat. The Fed should hold off raising rates while the economy recovers for the rest of us.
CHARLIE FLEMMING, president, Georgia State AFL-CIO
Let’s stay safe by taking precautions
Interesting how people address terrorist attacks. Most advice relates to action after the shooting starts. Although I am sure many will be offended or accuse me of being politically incorrect, I have decided to stay out of gun-free zones unless security is also offered, and to lock my doors or cross over to the other side of an aisle anytime I choose.
PAUL G. RICE, COVINGTON
Time for Muslims in U.S. to speak up
The general public consensus, even among the Republican rank-and-file, appears to be against Donald Trump’s call to ban the entry of all Muslims into this country. The majority agrees a total ban, even if temporary, would be contrary to this country’s values and probably unconstitutional. Having made that point, I believe it is time for U.S. Muslims to stand up and be seen to support our security and police forces, and to identify potential terrorists and mosques that promote hate and harm against any other group. That support would include identifying individuals in their community who have become radicalized overseas or in this country.
IAN SHAW, CUMMING
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