If I was in the audience in that "town-hall"-style debate, my question...

[bobweaver]

would have been:

Mr. Bush, I am a software engineer and my job was recently outsourced to India. Most jobs in my field are also being outsourced. So, what should I do, should I move to India to look for a job?

[Goldeneye]

1. Short answer: its hard work.

[mcscajun]

2. Long answer:

Go to community college.

yeah...that'll fix everything. Especially since you probably already have at least your B.S., perhaps even a more advanced degree.

Yup...Community College is definitely your answer.

BTW...I'd have asked much the same question. I've given up on the tech field, and at this point I wouldn't encourage college students to pursue it.

[Rowdyboy]

3. And his answer: "There are so MANY excellent opportunities in fast food

Sure, the pay sucks, working conditions stink, management is heartless and there's no real chance for advancement but thats all beside the point. But its a job

Really, its all your fault because you didn't have the foresight to be born into a wealthy family like I did. Too bad."

[aeolian]

5. The prefered term is "food manufacturing." (n/t)

[aeolian]

4. He'd tell you that you can go to college and get new skills

Because you obviously don't already have any of that fancy education stuff. That's what you need, another four years at community college to go with that MS in computer science from MIT. THEN you'll get a job.

Your kids, meanwhile, can work in the coal mines to cover the costs.