---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think people have to remember where we…"
description: "\"I think people have to remember where we were in 2009. We were losing 800,000 jobs a month. We had an unemployment rate in double digits. We had povert..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dfa/tom-vilsack-8494_insecure_i-think-people-have-to-remember-where-we_792318.jpg"
---

#  I think people have to remember where we were in 2009. We…

![“I think people have to remember where we were in 2009. We were losing 800,000 jobs a month. We had an unemployment rate in double digits. We had poverty rates soaring. We had kids who were food insecure. Today in 2016, we have a lot less unemployment, a lot less poverty, and a lot fewer kids who…” quote by Tom Vilsack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dfa/tom-vilsack-8494_insecure_i-think-people-have-to-remember-where-we_792318.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dfa/tom-vilsack-8494_insecure_i-think-people-have-to-remember-where-we_792318.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/dfa/tom-vilsack-8494_insecure_i-think-people-have-to-remember-where-we_792318.jpg)

> “I think people have to remember where we were in 2009. We were losing 800,000 jobs a month. We had an unemployment rate in double digits. We had poverty rates soaring. We had kids who were food insecure. Today in 2016, we have a lot less unemployment, a lot less poverty, and a lot fewer kids who are food insecure.”

[Tom Vilsack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-vilsack/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Highlights economic recovery from the 2009 recession, noting declines in unemployment, poverty, and child food insecurity.

**In simple terms:** The economy improved after 2009, reducing job loss and hardship.

Key Takeaway

Recognize progress but continue supporting vulnerable groups.

Themes

economics policy poverty employment social welfare

Mood

optimistic reflective

Type

analytical policy-oriented

When to use this quote

- policy planning
- community outreach
- nonprofit programs
- government budgeting
- public health initiatives

Key Concepts

macroeconomic recovery labor market social safety nets

Questions to Reflect On

- How can policies address remaining pockets of poverty?
- What measures ensure sustained improvement?

A Different Perspective

Recovery data may mask regional disparities and lingering inequality.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Kids](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kids/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Poverty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poverty/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Today](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/today/) [Unemployment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unemployment/)

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Browse all 1,135 Insecure quotes

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