Contrary to the predictions of the sanguine experts, last week the official unemployment rate broke into the double digits (while Shadow Government Statistics‘ alternative measures are showing a rate above 20%, e.g. near Great Depression levels). With that in mind, I was really impressed with this article from the Las Vegas Sun about how, in Las Vegas, the situation is getting so desperate that citizens are joining illegal migrant workers in trying to find casual day labor. The article is very well written, and incisively points to the narrowing of the gap between third world workers and the “labor aristocracy” (to quote Hobsbawm) of the first world. As Las Vegas is at the epicenter of the housing bust, I wouldn’t be suprised if the appearance of this phenomenon there is but the leading edge of a larger trend that will begin making itself known across the country. As the fiscal crises of the States deepen and the “stimulus” crack wears off, Home Depot parking lots might start getting a lot more crowded…
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