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The REAL Unemployment Numbers Coming To Light

By Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy on October 26, 2010 at 7:00 PM in Bamboozling, Barack Obama, California, Campaign promises, Current Affairs, Deficit, Depression, Economy, Hoodwinking, Media, Television, Obamedia, Unemployment/Jobs

“60 Minutes” dropped a bombshell on their 10/24 broadcast regarding the unemployment numbers in this country. We have been hearing for some time that the figure stands at 9.6%. Turns out, that is a big crock of hooey (and h/t to Jammie Wearing Fool for highlighting this report). Yes, even though the 9.6% is a tough figure to stomach to be sure, it has remained below 10%, which is a major benchmark in terms of economic standing, as well as political rhetoric.

Except it hasn’t. Nope. Turns out that the unemployment number is more like 17%, particularly when one factors in the underemployed. Add to that people who have been on Unemployment for 99 weeks, much less those who have exceeded that time, and it paints a bleak picture indeed:


To hear these stories is just heartbreaking, isn’t it? Some states are suffering more than others. For instance, the state of California has an unemployment rate closer to 22%. One can understand, then, why Jerry Brown’s economic remedy is this (h/t to Gina):

“If we can find some more money, we can dish it out.”

Wow. And he’s currently leading Meg Whitman in CA? For real?? Holy moley. I am sure that is a comfort to those who are currently in need. Ahem. That is one heckuva plan there, Brownie.

And speaking of Jerry Brown, if I may digress for a moment, check out this little news clip (again, h/t to Gina):

“Yawn – I just can’t be bothered talking any more about my aide calling former CEO, and fellow gubernatorial candidate, Meg Whitman a whore. What’s the big deal, anyway?? Sheesh. Get off it already.”

Ah, yes – I can see why N.O.W. endorsed him over Whitman, can’t you? (That’s snark, btw…)

Back to the issue at hand. Not only is the actual number much higher than is generally claimed by this Administration, but many of these people currently unemployed have been out of work for over a year. Imagine that – out of work for over a YEAR. Even with unemployment compensation, that fundamentally changes how one lives. Some of you know all too well what that is like, how heartbreaking, frustrating, and demeaning that is, even when the loss of the job is not performance related (and in this economy, that is the case for most folks).

And why is the actual number being underreported? Why is Obama not focusing all of his attention on this issue, rather than, I dunno, claims that the Chamber of Commerce is trying to impact the midterm elections, and taking funds from foreign nations with ZERO proof. (Oh, and in an ironic twist of fate, guess who actually takes in more foreign money, twice as much, to be exact? You guessed it – the Democrats! Oopsie daisy.)

Let’s see. What else has Obama been focusing on rather than unemployment, and the economy in general? Oh, yes. His all-time favorite thing. Campaigning. Yep – he’s been traipsing all over this land of ours, from sea to shining sea, endorsing all manner of candidates with a “D” after their names (whether they want him to or not, I presume) in an attempt to stave off what is looking like a bad election for the Democrats.

Except for one. That would be Rhode Island Democratic candidate for Governor, Frank Capprio. Seems Obama has declined to endorse him because of his buddy, Lincoln Chafee, former Republican now Independent who endorsed Obama back in the day, who is also in the race. Oh, the White House will send out Vice President Joe Biden to assist whacky Alan Grayson down in Florida in his campaign, but not Capprio (you remember Grayson, right? He is the one who said Republicans’ health plan is for “sick people to die quickly.“). Well, Mr. Capprio isn’t taking this lying down. His response to Obama on his refusal to endorse him? “Shove it.” No, seriously – that’s what he said! “Shove it!”

I think “Shove It!” is what many Americans are going to be saying next Tuesday, too, those people who fall in the 17%, or even 22%, of the unemployed. Those who have lost their livelihoods, often their homes, and had their worlds turned upside down by this economy that Obama has been just too busy to address. No, he would rather tilt at windmills like the Chamber of Commerce boondoggle, or push his Obamacare on us, the issues involved with it coming to light every day (simply put, it’s gonna cost us a gazillion dollars), push his Cap and Trade (which will also cost us a gazillion dollars), or travel around the country on our dime to shore up (fading) support for the likes of Harry Reid, than deal with the real issues facing our country. Gee, can’t imagine why some folks might see this election as a referendum on Obama, can you?

People in this country are hurting, and hurting badly. Jobs are hard, if not impossible, to come by. Finally, at least one of the major network news sources is willing to acknowledge what some of the other stations (like Fox) have been reporting, and before an election, to boot. So, good for CBS for doing this (finally). Kinda makes you wonder just what else they are “under-reporting” or under-counting, doesn’t it? Sure does me. In this case, though, hopefully, something positive will happen in the upcoming election to help out the (almost) 1 out of 5 Americans. Better than hope, get out and vote.

  • Noogan

    The 17%+ unemployment number is really more like 23%, but who’s counting. 

    This isn’t news to many of us; we’ve known about this for some time now. But, I’m glad CBS is finally catching up to reality. But, Obama doesn’t give a shit about the unemployment problem in this country.

    Here’s what Obama is focusing on: Engaging in Hate Speech. 

    In a radio interview that aired on Univision on Monday, Mr. Obama sought to assure Hispanics that he would push an immigration overhaul after the midterm elections, despite fierce Republican opposition.
    “If Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, ‘We’re gonna punish our enemies and we’re gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us,’ if they don’t see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it’s gonna be harder and that’s why I think it’s so important that people focus on voting on November 2.”
    Referring specifically to Republicans such as Senator John McCain, who are stressing border security and supporting strict immigration laws like Arizona’s anti-illegal immigration measure, Mr. Obama said, “Those aren’t the kinds of folks who represent our core American values.”
    This is breathtaking.  The President of the United States is exhorting Latinos to “feel the hate” against their “enemies.” He’s exhorting them to “punish” their “enemies.” It’s the very definition of “Hate-Speech.” 

  • Annie Soda Cracker

    I’ve never heard a POTUS speak in such low terms but then again we’ve never had such a low-class PINO either.  He makes me sick and I can’t wait to see him get his clock cleaned on 11/2.

  • Noogan
  • sowsear

    Yes, In AZ, not only is the ballot in Spanish, but if they choose Spanish, they don’t even have to do the actual voting. It’s in there!

    BO also said I’m not on the ballot but my agenda is…

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    Exactly.  As Krauthammer pointed out tonight, Obama has not referred to Chavez, or Ackmadinnerjacket, or anyone like that as an “enemy,” but refers to Reps that way?  When he is surely going to have to work with them next year?

    My other fave part of that speech was how Obama was going to need 60 votes.  Well, he HAD 60 votes in the Senate, and did NOTHING with them.  But now, he will blame it all on the Reps. 

    Oh, Krauthammer also said this showed the man who sat and listened to Jeremiah Wright all those years, and that now, we are seeing the REAL Obama…

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    Noogan, you are absolutely right.  MOST of us have been aware that unemployment was way higher than the Obama Admin. was admitting. But to have CBS, of all places, admit this so close to an election is pretty big. 

    I think we all remember the news sources who failed to report news that would be damaging to Obama before the 2008 election (think JournoList, NY Times, etc.), which is why this is so important.

  • EWard

    Rev. Amy

    The 60 Minutes program was heartbreaking.  But, this is what “distributing the wealth” looks like massive unemployment.   

    Obama, Pelosi, and Reid stated that they are creating jobs through stimulus money, passing HC, Cap & Trade, nationalizing banks, car companies, student loans, etc.  Yet, when companies reported that they might have to drop employee HC or raise the rates, Kathleen Sebelius issues threats to silence their critics.  

    It is going to take two to three election cycles to kick out the Obama Democrats.   

  • sybilll

    I was watching that heart wrenching report on 60 minutes, then surfed a bit during a commercial.  During that commercial, I read that the Obama’s are renting 800+ rooms for their visit to India.  Seeing the woman rummaging in the garbage bin for bottles, then reading this, I felt sick, but, I really just want to weep.
    http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Barack-and-Michelles-Mumbai-darshan-plans/articleshow/6797379.cms

  • Ferd Premium Saltine Berfle

    Fortunately, That One and his pretentious wife are one-termers.

  • Montecristo

    I don’t know who was surprised by the 17+ percent unemployment, but that figure has been announced with every unemployment report.  Here is a CNN Money report in March 2009: http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/05/news/economy/jobs_outlook/index.htm

    <blockquote>
    Underemployed, or discouraged
    Finally, economists caution that the unemployment rate only captures a portion of Americans unable to find full-time jobs. It doesn’t count people working at part-time jobs but cannot find a full-time job, for example.
    And the average number of hours worked per week is now at a record low, according to Labor Department readings.
    The unemployment rate also doesn’t count many people who tell the Labor Department they want to work but haven’t looked for work recently.
    The government has a so-called underemployment reading which counts people working part-time jobs for economic reasons rather than by choice, as well as some who have become discouraged from looking for work.
    That measure hit 14.8% in February – the highest reading since the Labor Department started calculating it back in 1994.

  • Breeze

    -

    Not if they steal elections by ‘fixing’ the voting machines like Reid is

    doing in Nevada!

  • TeakWoodKite

    “If we can find some more money, we can dish it out.”

    To which I say…”but you Can’t take it”

    This is a broke ass state in sooooo many ways. I have know idea what people in this state are thinking. I have been told to vote a certain way and even was given a “form” to fill out as to how I would vote. All “voluntary” of course…..

    This much I know for sure….the lump under the rug is getting bigger by the day from all the sweeping going on.
    Though I have never met her, a kind thought goes out to Carly and her family that she makes a speedy recovery and stays on the mend.

  • ~~JustMe~~

    Now, we are seeing the REAL Obama…? Rev Amy, we all saw it early in the primaries?

  • TeakWoodKite

    out of work for over a YEAR ….12 tours later

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    Oh, Sybill – wow – what an image.  The Obamas have to have 800+ rooms?  That is making the Spain trip pale by comparison.

    So, we have 1 out of 5 Americans suffering on major levels, while many of the rest of us have also been impacted by the economic times, yet the Obamas continue to act like Rulers of the Universe.  It has gone WAY beyond Nero fiddling while Rome burns.  More like Nero/Obama set the fire…

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    Yes, Teak  – best thoughts for Carly Fiorina as she recovers from the infection that landed her in the hospital.

    And I hear you abt CA – can you believe the stuff Brown says?  And he is LEADING Whitman!!  What is UP with that??  They don’t call the man “Moonbeam” for nothing, after all.  Wow…

    Montecristo, MOST people think that unemployment remains under 10% because that is what they are told REPEATEDLY by Obama and his Adminstration.  Definitely, some cable outlets have put out the facts of where unemployment truly stands, but generally speaking, those numbers are glossed over for the 9.6% figure.  Mind boggling, isn’t it?

  • TeakWoodKite

    the problem exists in this structure that allows companies outside the US to create and control PACs that can contribute to American political campaigns.

    Hey now. Don’t be knoecking on my call center in Gaza…

  • TeakWoodKite

    the problem exists in this structure that allows companies outside the US to create and control PACs that can contribute to American political campaigns.  
     
    Hey now. Don’t be knocking on my call center in Gaza…

    the problem with the ditch analogy is that is were the people who were thrown under the bus ended up…BO wants to run over them twice.

  • TeakWoodKite

    Please for give the OT but this is remarkable. and to be filed under Bronwyn’s WTF file.
    Ruling by U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Opens Door to Voter Registration Fraud

    Joint Statement from Governor Jan Brewer, Secretary of State Ken Bennett 

     

    Ruling by U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Opens Door to Voter Registration Fraud 
    The Ninth Circuit Court Appeals has struck down a simple, common sense protection approved by Arizona voters requiring that all individuals provide evidence of U.S. citizenship prior to registering to vote. This decision is an outrage and a slap in the face to all Arizonans who care about the integrity of their elections.

  • TeakWoodKite

    Here is the opinion of the Court. 

    So in Seattle an illegal alien can go door to door get out the vote but doesn’t have to show ID when voting?

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    That does seem to be the case, Teak.  Isn’t that incredible? 

    And while we are talking abt that, I am sure you will want to know that ACORN is actually alive and well.  Not only that, but they are registering “voters” again, too!  Woohoo!!  Ahem…

  • TeakWoodKite

    Can you Sedition?

  • TeakWoodKite

    Remeber for a large part BO RETAINED the Bush appointees. That is not assign blame just that they all need to go.

    Please send them all out to pasture.

  • TeakWoodKite

    I hear Michelle is going to line up some hookers for BO…

    Can you imagine the streets being shut down so she can visit a “house of blue lights”?

  • TeakWoodKite

    It is actually more than that because not only did they rent the entire hotel where he is staying, they had to rent rooms in other palces to house the rest of the whirling dervishes.

    Sufi’s can’t catch a break. Not ever.

  • helenk

    I posted three videos downstairs in the open tread that tell me some New Jersey teachers should be unemployed starting now.

    WOMEN WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS

    PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE CHATTERING PEOPLE RULE

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    Breeze, did you see that incredibly LAME excuse by the Clark County Registrar?  That the machines were”sensitive,” and one couldn’t let their fingers “linger” over the machines?  He NEVER addressed just WHY Reid’s name popped up when they were trying to vote for Angle, though.  Oh, I am so sure there is nothing going on there at all, aren’t you??

  • TeakWoodKite

    OH yeah about that paycheck arraignment….That person in Seattle who self identified as an illegal…was she paid?

  • Doc99

    As Election day approaches, more rubes are self-identifying.

  • TeakWoodKite

    From the opions cited from the opinion.
    James R. EDGAR, in his official capacity as Governor of the State of Illinois, et al., Defendants-Appellants.
    Nos. 95-1800, 95-1801, 95-1802 and 95-1803.

    United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit.
    Argued May 8, 1995.Decided June 5, 1995.

    792*792 Judson H. Miner, Jeffrey Cummings, Barack H. Obama, Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, Chicago, IL, for Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), et al., Plaintiffs-Appellees in No. 95-1800

    Go figure.

  • helenk

    I just watched Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame on Travis Smily. What wonderful patriotic people.
    Amb Wilson made a statement the should be remembered, paraphrased
    If the people of Bell Ca had been more involved with the city politicians, there would have such criminal acts and scandal.

    As American citizens it is our right and our duty to keep an eye on the government.

    WOMEN WITN INTELLIGENCE AND EXPERIENCE,MEN WHO SUPPORT THEM AND COUNTRY BEFORE PARTY ALWAYS

    PUMAS,BUBBAS,EQUALISTS AND THOSE CHATTERING PEOPLE RULE

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    Amen, Helenk, on all counts!  They are amazing people, to be sure.  And yes, it is our duty to hold the government to account.

  • TeakWoodKite

    “It is indisputable that by requiring documentary proof of citizenship, Proposition 200
    creates an additional state hurdle to registration.”

    Got to love the 9th Circus. p35[17655 #11]

  • tango

    I read in another article for a place outside Vegas that if the voter chooses the Spanish language ballot, it fills in Reid, if he/she opts for English, it was filling in Angle. 

  • TeakWoodKite

    Just think. No more Hanging Chads…just “lingering fingers”….

    Who knew voting was such a sexual act?

  • tango

    If I was Fiorina or Whitman and I lost, I would move out of California in a heartbeat.  I wouldn’t stay and let my income be taxed to high heaven to support Democratic policies while watching the state I love fail even more spectacularily.

    My sister and her family are leaving California and going to AZ.  Her husband already has a job and is leaving this week to set up their new household and his wife and the kids will follow after school gets out in December. They like California but can’t afford to live there. And my sister, a big Obamabot, is starting to become angry at the people around her she sees who take advantage of the social systems while her and her husband pay for it.  And they’re not in the over $250,000 income group – strictly middle class so if they see how they’re paying for the bad choices of others, you can bet the millionaires see it and will be moving.

  • TeakWoodKite

    The trial of ACORN and Busefink is scheduled to begin on November 26.
    The state’s charges list 26 felony counts of voter fraud and 13 of providing unlawful extra compensation to those registering voters, a practice forbidden under Nevada law because it incentivizes fraud. Canvassers were allegedly paid between $8 and $9 an hour and based on a quota of 20 voters per shift.

    LOL…is it dead yet?
    The horror film rules for a continued sequel as stated in the film are: (1) the killer has got be super human – stabbing or shooting won’t be enough to finish him off (2) anyone, including the main character, can die (3) the past will come back to haunt you.

  • Senneth

    Sybill,
    I read the story and then watched the 60 minutes segment and like you, I just want to weep.  Our country is in deep trouble and the Obamas continue their profligate spending spree.  Amazing.

  • Senneth

    I read that too Teakwood.  Very sobering.

  • EllenD

    The 60 Minutes segment showing massive Silicon Valley long term unemployment was followed here by a Whitman ad and a Fiorina ad touting their successes in Silicon Valley.
    Probably not a good placement.

  • candymarl red bone cracker

    Ackmadinnerjacket?  ROFLMAO.

  • candymarl red bone cracker

    OOh linger and finger me baby! :-P

  • candymarl red bone cracker

    But, but, Senneth we have to sacrifice while Nero and Bride live it up.

  • candymarl red bone cracker

    So let’s say I show up and say I’m a citizen I am. Kewl…

    Just like Barack “ID? I don’t need no stinkin’ ID!”

  • Guest

    I didn’t hear Bush talking about the real unemployment number at 16% when he left office either. The official unemployment rate has always under represented the real figure due to the problems of counting people who have temporarily given up looking for work or otherwise have dropped off the government radar. The problem is with politicians who rarely take responsibility for anything if they can fudge the facts or reframe the issues. So, I’m not excusing Obama in the least -but to be fair in actual terms, it was above the 10% threshold during Bush I and end of Bush II.

  • ctfsh

    ” I can’t wait to see him get his clock cleaned on 11/2.” The problem is, if Repubs take Congress he’ll more likely be re-elected in 2012. Narcissists are exasperating that way.

    Frankly I wish I could vote for this Frank “shove it, Barack” Capprio regardless of his party affiliation.

  • ctfsh

    Loyal No Quarter reader here and I just want to chime in, it’s not the party, it’s the candidate.

    I mean come on, this Democrat Frank “Shove It Obama” Capprio kind of garners some respect, does he not? On that same note watching the governor campaign out here in CA and knowing Jerry Brown’s record of fiscal conservativism and effective government, coupled with Whitman’s empty suit campaign that cost her millions of millions of dollars you realize again, it’s not the party it is each individual candidate.

    I’d rather have effective streamlined government than just sloppy chaotic government. Jerry Brown’s record suggests he can deliver the former, Whitman’s campaign is suggesting she’ll deliver the latter.

    Jerry Brown is no Barack Obama. He’s almost his complete opposite.

  • ctfsh

    I really was eager to see how these two female CEOs would campaign, being from the male-heavy tech industry myself.

    I never had high hopes for Fiorina, given her record at HP. Whitman, however, led a successful team during her reign as eBay CEO and I’m surprised at how lackluster her campaign has been. She wants to cut people off welfare (awesome! We all do!) but when pressed for how she’ll do it, she comes up empty as if she hasn’t thought it through. Reminds me too much of BHO “I’ll close Guantamino”.

  • ctfsh

    “If the people of Bell Ca had been more involved with the city politicians, there would have such criminal acts and scandal.”

    Amen!

  • Linda Anselmi

    The numbers are scary, but the reality for many even worse.  So glad you did this post Amy!!

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    Oh, believe me – I know. I think Krauthammer may have actually thought Obama meant what he said during the campaign.  As time goes on, it seems like people continually have repetitive revelations abt Obama – know what I mean? Like every time Obama does/says something contradicting a former promise, they realize all over again that he is not the man they thought he was.  Meanwhile, we aren’t the least bit surprised.

    For instance, many of us were well aware that Obama was not the Uniter he said he was, but it too others hearing his “back of the bus” comment to realize that.

    So yeah – I hear ya!

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    I wish I could take credit for that one (Stephanie Miller used it back int he day when I still listened to her show).  It’s a good one, though, isn’t it?  :)

  • Rabble Rouser Rev. Amy

    Thanks, Linda!  And yes, they are.  Still today (Weds.), the 9.6% figure continues to be bandied about on the news.  Sigh…

  • TeakWoodKite

    Why would a ‘gay’ person like her support BO? And in the process dis LJ. I very much enjoyed Mr. Johnson’s insights then. It was the first I had heard him on the radio dial.

    sad all the way around.

  • TeakWoodKite

    That got your “mood” to change..didn’t it? >:o