1. Young. Check.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/us/13age.html>>>snip
Workers ages 45 and over form a disproportionate share of the hard-luck recession category, the long-term unemployed — those who have been out of work for six months or longer, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
On average, laid-off workers in this age group were out of work 22.2 weeks in 2008, compared with 16.2 weeks for younger workers. Even when they finally land jobs, they typically experience a much steeper drop in earnings than their younger counterparts.
>>>Snip
The unemployment rate in March for workers ages 45 and over was 6.4 percent, the highest since at least 1948, when the Bureau of Labor Statistics began tracking unemployment on a monthly basis.
But once older workers lose their jobs, Dr. Munnell said, “then it’s horrible.” They have a much harder time finding work again than younger job-seekers do, and statistics appear to show that it is harder for them in this recession than in previous ones. During downturns in 1982 and 2001, workers ages 45 and over were unemployed an average of 19 weeks and just under 17 weeks, respectively.
2. Healthy.
I'm not even going to link anything because there is plenty of information to back this up. Health insurance is going up, even people with insurance can't afford to go to the doctor.
FMLA was made VERY hard to use during the last few months of the Bush administration--with new rules and loopholes, employers can literally make it almost impossible to use effectively and as it was intended.
3. Cheap.
By destroying labor unions, taking away benefits, creating "at will" work states...all of these things contribute to saving money for the employer.
Now, don't get me wrong, saving money is NOT a bad thing, but it NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER trickles back down to the workers.
4. Less Educated.
You see what is happening throughout the country--it started with pushing standardized testing--now it is decimating school districts and demonizing teachers.
5. Fearful.
By keeping people fearful of losing their jobs--it creates a fearful workforce...which is generally a compliant workforce.