There is some truth to what Dank is saying about the methodology used to arrive at the official numbers, however these methods have only recently tried to account for lots of people who have slipped through the cracks, who are newly self employed from home, they are probably a large component of the forgotten long term unemployed. Some have given up…..
In ant event these are the same basic methods used to compile the numbers under Clinton as well as the current Bushco. Bush compares favorably.
What I am trying to say is that things aren't that bad...lots of people working.

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If you wind up with a boring, miserable life because you listened to your mom, your dad, your teacher, your priest or some guy on TV telling you how to do your shit, then YOU DESERVE IT.
~ Frank Zappa ~

Liberty means responsibility, that is why most men dread it.
~George Bernard Shaw~

My point is this: If you (or anyone else) do not know what the numbers are, then how do you know that the unemployment numbers are inaccurate? Are we talking about a regional thing here, Dank? The unemployment rate in my area is almost nil. Perhaps the "real world" you alluded to is only in your area?

Vi

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Damned right I'm an equal opportunity offender, I'm a Conservative!

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The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. United State Constitution, Art. I Sec. 9 Par. 2

"Dissent is the Highest form of Patriotism" -- Howard Zinn

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"I suppose I always knew America would eventually break the planet, like some ghastly, hyperactive toddler that gets hold of a mobile phone and then smashes it repeatedly against the edge of a table". Quote from british journalist.