Name:	lucky67 -	Reply
Subject:	employment
Date:	11/18/2015 6:30:10 PM

The unemployment rate is at its lowest level since April 2008, good news for sure. However, the labor force participation rate sits at the lowest level since 1977, and economic growth in the third quarter was an anemic 1.5%.hmmm;

Name:	architect -	Reply
Subject:	congratulations!
Date:	11/19/2015 8:04:26 AM (updated 11/19/2015 8:09:56 AM)

I can't believe you just said that drop in the unemployment rate is "good news".  Better mind your tongue though or you may be voted off the island.  After all, MM always points out it's a "lie"...or at least it has been for the last 7 years.

Now, wish I could find the article by a relatively conservative economist I read a couple of months ago where he pointed out that at least 2/3ds of the drop in the number participating in the job market was due to the huge number of baby-boomers who are reaching retirement age each and every day and doing just that...retiring.  He also pointed out that a large part of the remaining drop out figure could be attributed to the fact that more folks in their late teens are going to college or trade school after high school graduation rather than entering the jobs market.  Facts related to an issue do make a difference in how people who are willing to accept the facts interpret other facts related to the same issue...call it ''context''.

Now, you may flag.

Name:	MartiniMan -	Reply
Subject:	Unemployment is actually over 10%
Date:	11/19/2015 9:38:38 AM

The numbers being bantied about are a complete joke.  When you take into account the labor participation rate, even accounting for retirements, the real number is anywhere from 10% to 17%.  Even when they announce the new number they always mention in the reduction being due to people leaving the workforce, but always buried in the article instead of front and center where it should be.

Name:	architect -	Reply
Subject:	See what I mean?
Date:	11/20/2015 8:04:49 AM (updated 11/20/2015 8:10:46 AM)

The problem is since the stats are determined and recorded today in the same way as they have been for over 20 years, why didn't they lie between Jan 20, 2002 and Jan 19, 2009.  Explain that to me please...somebody.