Dear Mr. Obama,

Media reports claim 12% unemployment, but we all know it's worse. These numbers reflect EDD statistics of recently jobless. But what about those who never had a full time job? Or those working two part time jobs with no prospect of promotion? Or those who just gave up?

Record number of intelligent, talented, and educated 25 year olds are underemployed. High school valedictorians with B.A.s from the University of California are working part time jobs in the mall. Attorneys with Bolt Law (UC-Berkeley) JDs are pumping gas. There is a surplus of talented youth eager to work. How can you ignore them?

America has lots of problems. We have finite resources and an aging infrastructure. On the other hand, we have thousands of young people with time on their hands that are passionate about solar panels and composting. Why not organize them and put them to work rebuilding America?

I propose a 21st Century green version of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corp. The current Y.E.S. (Youth Engaged in Service) program can be modified. Every graduating high school senior can be encouraged to volunteer for a year before starting college. They can be offered funding toward a college of their choice.They can rebuild America - the green way. This provides a cheap source of labor for the business community, a mission for youth, and prevents organized social protest. Everybody wins.