This is not unlike what took place with the steel industry here in southwestern Pennsylvania when the mills began idling workers during the late 70s and early 80s due to a combination of increased competition, falling demand, environmental regulation and rising labor costs.

I remember having mixed emotions when watching the local news reporters interviewing laid-off steelworkers who thought they’d be called back before their unemployment ran out.  On one hand, I felt for these guys, most of whom had devoted a good portion of their working lives to the mills, guys who had mortgages to pay and families to feed.  At the same time, I wondered why anyone in that situation wouldn’t try to help himself instead of waiting for that phone call that never came.

I can’t speak to what the situation may be like in other areas of the country, but if you’re an abstractor or examiner in this region and you’re not working…it’s your own fault.

Regards,
Scott Perry