This recessin and recovery haven't been typical. Two good statistics to see if we really have been creating jobs are the participation rate and the number of people employed.
http://www.bls.gov/webapps/legacy/cpsatab1.htm
The unemployment rate is pretty much those who are participating in the labor market who don't have a job. The participation rate has declined (people taking an earlier retirement than planned, staying in school longer, and dropping out) this seems to be what is really driving the lower unemployment rate. The number of people who are employed is rising, but not by enought to bring down the unemployment rate.
The good economic news is that those who do have jobs are spending more, not that people are finding jobs.
no subject
http://www.bls.gov/webapps/legacy/cpsatab1.htm
The unemployment rate is pretty much those who are participating in the labor market who don't have a job. The participation rate has declined (people taking an earlier retirement than planned, staying in school longer, and dropping out) this seems to be what is really driving the lower unemployment rate. The number of people who are employed is rising, but not by enought to bring down the unemployment rate.
The good economic news is that those who do have jobs are spending more, not that people are finding jobs.