The recoil part was all jammed with grass clippings. After clearing it out, the recoil works very well.
It still wouldn't start. So, I figured that living on the Oregon coast, theres a good chance water got into the fuel. I emptied the tank into a metal tray. Within a few minutes, water separated into its little bubbles. I put fresh gasoline in and it started after three or four pulls. My lawn is now cut.
I'm returning this crappy mower to my boss. My dad offered to give me his old Honda mower, so I'll be getting that working here shortly.