Unemployment in the US now stands at nearly 10% of the labor force, in part because more new jobs are being created in the emerging economies, and many of the jobs now being created in the US pay less than in the past, owing to greater global competition. Unless the US steps up its investment in education, science, technology, and infrastructure, these adverse trends will continue.
奥巴马有充分理由强调这些主题。 目前美国失业率持续在10%附近徘徊，部分原因是新兴经济体分得更多的新增就业机会，同时由于全球竞争日趋激烈，现在美国创造的许多工作机会薪酬都与过去不可同日而语。 除非美国加大对教育、科学、技术和基础设施的投入，否则这样的不利趋势将会继续下去。