The US Unemployment Rate, Sans The Spin

From Gallup Research:

Lots of chatter yesterday about how an economy the size of ours only created 36,000 jobs last month, and yet the unemployment rate dropped from 9.4% to 9%. 150,000 people enter the work force every month, net--new entries minus deaths and retirements. 36k is less than 150k, even in ObamaMath.

The short answer is, Someone may be trying to blow smoke up our skirts. Or, things are so hinky that normal means of measurement are breaking down.

If you'll hit that link above, you'll see the reality. Flat-line, 19.9% underemployment, 9.9 unemployment. Gallup isn't running for office, he's in the accuracy bidness.

Back in 1992, Bill Clinton beat George Bush Sr about the ears over a mild recession we were in, declaring it 'The Worst Recession Since World War II', and 'I Feel Your Pain'.

Bill? Why so silent? You're an elder statesman now, you can say whatever you want.

Bill?

OS used to shop regularly at WalMart, and now tends to avoid it. He shopped there this week, as a reality check of sorts. It's disturbing to walk the isles and see so many shabby people who look completely beaten down by life. So many seem to have given up, looking to survive this month, this week, today. Homeless people are showing up in new places in Nashville, and local churches are feeding more people every month in OS's county. These are the folks responsible for the drop in the unemployment rate...they've done the Department of Labor the favor of simply dropping off the radar.

For a more dispassionate view of reality, visit Calculated Risk.

Gallup Daily: Obama Job Approval

This graphic is moving in the wrong direction for Team Obama.

It's a clever graphic, scroll over it, and you can clock His progress (or lack thereof) day by day.

Betcha someone in His offices are scrolling it themselves, scratching their heads.

Just wait until those two lines cross...that day is not far off.