And I wonder how many IRS employees were hired.

There better be at least a little job creation since the bulk of the stimulus money is hitting the streets right now. Lot of public schools renovating and adding on right now, so there should be some construction jobs created for that. ALthough, those won't help us one iota in the long run.

It's gotten to be amusing to see how the government spins it's propaganda each month.

The Census is new? It's eerily similar to something that's been done every ten years since 1790, oddly enough also called the Census. It was mandated by the US Constitution. What's this new thing you're talking about, Simple? Want to fill us in?

How many are these newly added jobs are going to be around in a year?

Creating temporary positions does not equal creating jobs in my book.

The 162,000 jobs are probably temporary Census jobs that will go away and the OBAMA administration will use these numbers to tout how great a job they are doing creating jobs.

It's actually mandated by the Constitution. It'll be amusing to watch someone try to take it to court.

Why do we continually make the same mistakes that the United Kingdom made years ago and are now drowning in debt and unemployment? Our country is strong because we setup a capitalistic society that rewards success. This is how our nation has grown and thrived because we didn't punish the successful with massive taxation.

We spent $800Billion+ for temporary fixes to our economy via the stimulus but the fixes weren't pro-capitalism. Billions were spent on wasteful projects just so the money could be spent. Many of the projects that were bid on were not accepted because the company wasn't a unionized company. Thousands of stimulus jobs cost 3-4 times what they could have cost if the awards were given to the lowest bid. We could have stretched this out and provided more jobs for Americans. If the fed had put 20% of this money into interest-free loans to small businesses then the jobs would have quadrupled... but that would only be "helping out the rich."

In my small town of Roanoke, Virginia the stimulus brought in $51 Million to renovate the Federal Building. Source

This wastes over $20 Million because the building could have been sold for $20 Million and a new building could have been built for around $50 million. This would have saved $20 Million dollars. Common sense solutions have been ignored over and over and real money is being wasted. Oh yeah I forgot that this was to make the building more "green."

It is a shame that we are blowing through billions that we don't have and all across America teachers are getting laid off or having to accept pay cuts. This disconnect with common sense is why we need new leadership in congress.

really ? See the government isn't going to expand by hiring people for permanent positions. only RIGHT wing hypocrites want to expand government.

Yes, really. If you renovate a school, once you've finished, how does that school fuel the economy? What product does it create that can be sold? Instead of teaching kids in a run down classroom, we teach them in a nice new one. That's great, but tell me please, what jobs does that create once the contractor walks off the job? This is costing us a trillion dollars in stimulus funds, so there should be some long term gain, don't you think? Look, I am benefitting from the funds that are hitting the streets right now, but I don't see the private sector growing in the places it needs to grow. Some laborers are being hired to slap up the drywall, and that's great. It feeds them for a couple months. What happens next? Verizon announced that the healthcare bill is going to cost them nearly a billion dollars, same for AT&T, it's a good bet those companies and the ones like them won't be expanding anytime soon, so where will the money generation come from once these government buildings are built?

Fred -

You're right. Education is a waste of time.

???

Spin it, baby, spin it. Temporary, census and part-time jobs are included in the job gains number. Show me next months and then we will talk...

Jack-

You need to learn to read.

???

The job figures are bogus. The main job growth has been the massive increase in police state funding.

The article said:

"When they and discouraged workers who have given up searching for jobs are included, the "underemployment" rate ticked up to 16.9 percent from 16.8 percent."

Uh, isn't this the real unemployment rate? And it's getting worse. Only the far-left MSNBC and the AP can make this sound like such a wonderful thing. They sneak this in at the end of the article. Imagine if this was Bush right now. He would be getting crucified.

I think this shows you just how bad the situation is, we set a 3 year record for employment and the unemployment number doesn't move a tick. Either the numbers were phony in the past and the rate was higher then our government reported, or we are really not making any headway in improving the situation with our economy. 48,000 people hired into temporary positions in the government, any idea how much each one of those jobs costs the tax payers of the United States?

Jack, it's not education that is a waste of time, its the burden that the unions are placing on the tax payers. For many of us in the northeast who see the populations moving to warmer climates, we are left with schools that are under utilized across the board at all levels and underfunded. Yet, we don't see any relief in property taxes. The teachers unions feel that if they had the best and the newest they would be able to reach more students. Well, ten years ago you had the best and the greatest and you weren't able to do it then. So you want another new school? Use the ones you have, the ones that are still being paid for by the tax payers.

Amazing - seems like so many people are trying to find something negative in everything. It may not be nirvana - but why do some of you insist on trying to disregard the obvious truth - that we are slowly crawling out of the economic hole dug for us during the past 10 years..... ? Denial?

The reasons why this economy is so weak are many, but the article by Fritz Hollings yesterday really summed up what has happened the past 30 years, and what can fix it....

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/01/make-value-added-tax-winning-weapon-trade-war/

I rejoice over good news, and hope many of you will as well. A great suggestion about what we need to do next is described by Senator Hollings (SC-retired), and is something worth considering.

Time for everyone to STOP the partisan dart-throwing. If something is good, why try to spin it negative? If bad, let's look at it and fix it.

It is as if the GOP is worried that this country will recover and they will be on the sidelines. Long time before we get over the damage this recession and our credit excesses have caused, but why would they wish the country ill?

Hollings showed the way in the article regarding jobs - it's practical, paid for, and lasting. Let's ALL try to be positive and find positive things to help fix things - Some jobs are temporary, some are long-term. We need them all.

Fred--So you're saying that while the construction trade is down, keeping the construction workers on a job instead of unemployment is a bad thing? Any construction project is temporary. I know you don't want to admit it, but maybe the stimulas projects will last until the economy improves and private projects are again available.

The department also revised January's job total to show a gain of 14,000, up from a loss of 26,000. February's job numbers was also revised higher by 22,000.

funny how they can spin the numbers however they feel like tho. 40,000 job increase somehow was overlooked for 2 months, showing a positive gain, meantime lacking another gain of 22,000? C'mon, who the heck are they trying to fool? April fool's was yesterday, and when i checked the release of labor stats from 3/24/2010, there was a loss of jobs, 155K+, nation wide, with only 1 state (wash dc area) showing an increase in hireing. 16 states showed little to no change, while the rest showed an increase in unemployment. Normally these stats are provided monthly, however ta-da! We have a new magical count for this year showing. Still none the less....

A large part was from the hireing of census workers, and thru temporary services. This does not say in anyway the economy is improving, failing, but the amount says it remains the same. Of couse we are not taking into the effect this 1 small formula either.. Lets say, (giving the gov some credit), the (cough) storms had a small part to do with this slow job increase for the year. The number of jobs, we need to put people back to work are lacking, when we need millions. Not to mention, how mant of these numbers are from those who still havent been able to find work, and whos unemployment went dry? The number of people who are collecting unemployment and stopped collecting are in these figures we look at as well. Seems to me this so called increase was also 2 yrs ago when the paper industry took a huge hit, closeing down 3 huge plants, and abour 56,000 people lost jobs because of it. That is just a small number from when i had read it in the news for the area i lived in. Basically proof is in the article its self in the fine print, Nobama is running another numbers racket. Most the jobs not in the temp job area went to construction, probaly mostly into building new detention facilities, and such.

For more information on how the unemployment rates, and hireing , and so on i go to http://www.bls.gov/home.htm where i can get some idea whats what. Usually if you are regular about checking, you can get the real stats, including regional data, before tainted with false data. Being also you can ckeck into what fields are hireing the most, and where. Also today starting in a few minutes they are hosting a live web chat....i'll be there hope to see some of you as well.

I received a letter stating that a Census form would be mailed to me. I then received 3 Census forms in the mail over a three week period. I also received a hand delivered bag on my door knob with brochures and information on why filling out the census is important.

It's no wonder we waste so much money. I sent the first form back the day it arrived. I will probably receive more literature in the mail. Now imagine the cost of sending 3-5 pieces of mail to every household in America. Maybe this is where the 160,000 jobs came from. 400 million envelopes needed to be stuffed.

The job recovery, albeit likely very slow, has begun. JAnuary also up to show a job gain. February revised up too. The Census workers had nothing to do with that.

Like it or not GOP, the job recovery is beginning. I know its bad news for you, but you should at least be happy that things are turning around. I have seen about 20 new hires at my employer in the last couple of months. Deny it if you want, discount it if you feel you must, but the recovery has started.

As job growth continues, some of the anger out there will subside. The important thing to all of us is that the economy is growing and 160K people are back to work.

Once again the MENTALLY CHALLENGED and THE GLASS IS ALWAYS "HALF EMPTY" nay- sayers are out in force. One would think the aforementioned are Brilliant patriotic citizens? NOT! They seem only to be able to wallow in misery. If it ain't bad news, they're not intrested. It must truly be miserable, being "STUCK" in those bodies! And we all know, misery loves company.

I would like for these NAY-SAYERS to tell one of these newly hired, to quit and go back to the unemployed rolls. I say any improvement with unemployment is a very good thing. Any rational person would realize it took years to end up in this mess, and it will probably take years to get out of it. But progress on this problem seems to be on order. Thank you Obama Administration for staying focused and getting the country headed in the right direction! What ever you are doing seems to be working, so keep it up!

Fred--So you're saying that while the construction trade is down, keeping the construction workers on a job instead of unemployment is a bad thing? Any construction project is temporary. I know you don't want to admit it, but maybe the stimulas projects will last until the economy improves and private projects are again available.

No, I'm saying that the type of construction that's going on is government funded and builds buildings that won't house any sort of self-sustaining industry, it houses an education center which, while critical, won't create anything that isn't paid for directly by the taxpayers. If it was a new building for AT&T or Verizon, there would be REAL reason for optimism, because, once that contruction worker walks off the job, the people in that building create a product that makes a profit and feeds the economy instead of sucking money out of the ecconomy. Come on guys, this can't be that hard to comprehend.

The 31,000 manufacturing and construction jobs were a result of what I'm talking about, so while it's nice that these people get to eat for a few months, it's not reason for real optimism. The healthcare jobs created are largely due to the baby boomers getting up there in age, those are good news, because more and more healthcare will be needed as baby boomers get older. The 40,000 temporary jobs are temporary. In short, this isn't devastating news, but I was hoping we'd get more for our trillion, considering what it's about to do to inflation.

IDJ-Unemployment rate remains at 9.7% and you call that headed in the right direction?

@ duncanci

The extra notices have been shown to increase the number of forms returned by 12%. This decreases the number of census workers that need to be hired to manually collect the information, which saves money because a form letter is much less expensive than an employee.

the live chat is open for about another 30-45 minutes from now with the labor statistic board 10:30 AM EDT

http://www.bls.gov/chat/

The only ones I have heard of that is hiring anyone is our own government....and that number is about what this article claims as the increase in jobs filled...what a crock,.

Something you folks migh need to check into on the new immagration bill...Senator Graham and Senator Schumer , one republican and one democrat...are trying to get national ID cards for everyone included in this bill...which would meant that you would have to use that one ID card for everything....talk about big brother keeping track of you...how much power do you wnat your government to have...especially since they work more for wall street than the voters.

I wonder how many are working and not claiming their income?

also to sum up part of my visit on this chat, people who's benifits for UE who have run out, and no longer apply, because there is nothing, are also in part of the calculated number of people who are assumed to be working. Given that amount, there is also an increase in error as to how many people (thousands) who are still out of work, and either unable to apply due to hardships, or have given up.

Do you ever get the feeling that someone is pi..ng on your leg; these numbers mean nothing, since the real unemployment rate remains at approx. 17%.

Ivan, NC

Come the Charleston, SC. Boeing is coming here, and jobs are being created. True - some of the Boeing business is government, but not what we are building.

The problem is not immigration, but corporations sending our jobs overseas the past 30 years. Read the article in the link by Sen. (ret) Fritz Hollings. His is a very rational discussion, he was in Washington, so he saw a lot...

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/01/make-value-added-tax-winning-weapon-trade-war/

National ID cards are an excellent idea - especially as some states are not protecting you from illegals. North Carolina is better now, but it used to be one of the worst for not checking ID's of foreigners. India is setting up national ID cards right now using biometrics - they are doing the census door to door, taking photos and fingerprints, and will be issuing a national ID card for everyone in India - 1.2 billion people. You need to get over your paranoia and grasp that national ID cards will HELP, not hinder, reduce the number of illegals that are employed here.

If you think not having an ID card keeps you out of the government databases, give up. You have a credit card, right? A drivers license, right? You shop at WalMart, right? You keep your money at a bank, right? All of these places collect your data and report on it. Join the 21st century and realize that is a done deal.... If you worry about immigration, you must realize that we need a system for tracking those employed in this country...Until we have it, the pool of illegal employees will remain...

Hang on for the ride folks, things may be looking up by November.

Indeed, The Census added some temp jobs.

Elsewhere....WHAT NEW JOBS, please???? Part-time stuff, sure, but those are not living wages and I am not knocking that sort of work. I work at part-time jobs myself, you see.

My state has added virtually nothing and I keep abreast of this quite actively.

All pretty LIES, my dear.

Tim, Seattle - albeit likely very slow, has begun.

At this pace a million or so people will be unemployed for almost 10 years. Yes this is wonderful news, hey some of you unemployed people will get a government job, while others can expect to wait another 1 - 10 years for a job.

Well Ivan....

What's YOUR solution for immigration reform? Everyone knows what we shouldn't do, but no one EVER or RARELY adds a good solution. Hey, I have a simple solution that doesn't even need government intervention: You want to get rid of illegal immigrants? Stop hiring them for jobs!!! Stop paying them half of what the job really pays and hire real citizens for fair pay!!! No one has a problem hiring these people to do manual labor for dirt cheap, or paying them wages under the table and skipping out on paying federal, state, FICA, and SS taxes. But when they start going into business for themselves and underbidding you on contracts or start showing up requesting for federal and state aid because they're so grossly underpaid...THEN, you wanna cry foul when it comes back to bite you in the A#$!!!

What capitalism REALLY means in this country is make a buck...BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. And historically, one of the easiest ways is cheap labor. Taking advantage of the poor and uneducated, creating a permanent undersclass. Don't listen to me. Go read your history. One thing impressive about the hispanics. Once they do learn a trade, they quit working for "Da Boss" and become his competition.

Hey DeeToo, they got you hook, line an sinker.

Yes, the only way we can stop illegals is by us giving up another one of our freedoms, the only way we can get health care is by giving up our freedom, whats next? the only way we can become energy indepenent is to price people out of the market? oh wait, that is next, sorry.

chuck-960840 - The solution is the laws we already have in place.

Alright let's break this down:

162,000 jobs. 48,000 of which are due to the census. And it ended April 1st (according to the commercials advertising it). That leaves 114,000 jobs. 40,000 were temporary help services. That leaves room for 74,000 permanent jobs. Leasure and hospitality added 22,000. Those are seasonal jobs (I know because I live in a resort area). So that leaves room for 52,000 possible permanent jobs. The article then says 37,000 are in "health care." One would have to logically assume these are due to the ObamaCare bill just passed. The bill required an additional 16,500 IRS agents and that several new departments be created. Since there is no mention of where in health care these jobs were, one must assume they are govenment created jobs which consume tax dollars not create them. That leaves 15,000 possible permanent actual private sector jobs.

Meanwhile the unemploytment figures did not budge and yet we are all to a rejoice at these glad tidings. Plus I'm sure there will be the usual postings of "why can't you people be glad at the good news" and " can't please the party of NO" and "economy's getting better despite what you repugs want." Etc. etc.

So glad I am not stupid enough to fall for this rhetoric.

Will anything wipe that silly smile off Christina Rommers face ???

i dropped from the chat with labor board statistics. with only 7 mins left of it basically, to sum it all up people who are out of work atm, are basically screwed. The small % of jobs people got, vs the number of jobs lost, is crazy. I think to sum up job loss and gain, out of jobs lost, 0.02% of the people out of work, actually got some work, most of it thru temp services, and the census.

Be fore warned people. Once you work thru a temp sevice, you lose your UE benifits amount. If you even worked thru a temp service for 20 yrs, you can not count that time as being employed, nor can you draw UE benifits in the chance you are not hired by a company sent to work for, and they let you go, even if it is for lack of work. Companies also do hire people as temps because then they are exscluded from having to pay these benifits. It's in the contract you sign thru the company before your placment will begin. That is why the large increase in jobs thru the temp services has increased. Employers can skirt the WC ins. Work you for 90 days, and if they dont want to hire, let you go, and take on an diffrent temp. Actually saving them thousands of dollars, yet putting you in a tight spot, being unable to file for UE benifits, or that time worked thru a temp service going against you.

Since when is the census new? No matter how much good news is put out there you'll always have those who want to emphasize the negative.

The total includes 48,000 temporary workers hired for the U.S. Census, also fewer than many economists forecast

Wonder how many of the others were also government jobs...?

Liars figure and figures lie!

The POTUS is scrabling to Charlotte today, having completely made a shambles of my job visiting accounts for all the roads they have closed for His Highness, but he can talk jobs all he wants. I have the sales territory from Charlotte to the NW on the link I'm posting, where ALL the textiles and furniture jobs have dried up 95%. Let him spin away today, but my business is in the tank because nobody has enough money to but the needed items, much less a kinda needed product I sell. We have 3 generations living together now because the job losses are staggering, and in no way accurate. They are much worse. The Lowe's Home Improvement distribution center in Statesville, NC, is so crammed with product, they have nearly 200 full trailers of product sitting in their yards waiting to be unloaded. No one is building, no one is buying, and even in the business I am in, we're down around an average of 15% YTD over last year. Look at this link for just my state, and realize that some of your libs in states that have other industries may just not get what we that are suffering mean by HIS failed ideas and money spent!
http://www.wral.com/news/state/page/4879060/
Remember, that's just those on the rolls. My dad and his construction buddies are DONE with benfits, and are sitting at home another 3 years until early retirement at 62.5. Sad, that it's gotten so hopeless that everyone here has just given up. Hell, I can't even get anything from the Census or a visit. Guess we're only important if we live in the areas that contribute to higher tax revenues....

Mike in Delray - why do you have to be so negative. Why can't you see the stimulus is working, since we spent a half of trillion dollars unemployment only went from 7.5 to 9.7 percent. Isn't that wonderful news? Just last month there are 162 thousand people that got a job and are happy again, why should we talk about the others that lost a job or are still employed, Tim from Seattle said it is slow but we should rejoice in this news.

Just think in 4 years when millions still don't have a job, they will get free health care, again something to rejoice about, or are they going to pay a fine for not buying health care. Ah, who cares lets just rejoice in that fact that PBO said he might drill for oil, oh wait that is only if cap and tax passes, which will raise the cost of living for everybody. I am sorry for bring up bad news, when today is just time for rejoicing.

Lets see.... Census is over when? June? July? I guess the "economy" will have a seasonally adjusted decline in "jobs" about then. The government simply doesn't work for us anymore.

Every time an employer has to let people go, cut wages, hold them flat or cut benefits because of this war on capitalism, they should start including a note with the changes that reads:"Thank your President and Congress for this change".

Pink slip: "Thank your President and Congress for this change".

Pay cut: "Thank your President and Congress for this change".

Reduced hours: "Thank your President and Congress for this change".

Reduced benefits: "Thank your President and Congress for this change".

Maybe the uninformed would finally get the message that 'punishing' employers does not improve your terms of employment with them. And if you think unionizing will help, look forward to 30%+ unemployment.

Have you heard? Anyone who can make it across our southern border can now apply for political asylum. (drug wars, and all) Guess who wants to grease the axles of the Amnesty wagon? There just might be further negative effects on Presidential popularity coming to a Dome Hepot near you.

bingo

It's very difficult for people who cling to the belief that tax breaks create jobs to accept the reality that Bush's record tax cuts (for the wealthy) produced record 10.3% unemployment (for the middle class) after eight years, and that now that those tax cuts are over we're seeing some improvement. Those people are ideologically compelled to disbelieve and tear apart any evidence that exposes the flaws in their ideology.

It's transparent. Only the right wing doesn't get that.

The Labor Department said 9:43 a.m. ET, Thurs., April 1, 2010 that new jobless benefit claims dropped 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 439,000, nearly matching analysts' estimates. It's the fourth drop in five weeks.

The Labor Department said updated 2 hours, 31 minutes ago employers added 162,000 jobs in March.

?????????????????????????????

Chuck1968

look the right wingers can't stand it that Obama's policies are working.

The article clearly states that there are 15 million Americans that are still unemployed. I don't see how you Obama Bots can rejoice that only 162,000 jobs, mostly only temporary positions, were "created." Yeah, that 9.7 unemployment rate really makes Obama shine, doesn't it?

Given the facts within the article I would say the only propaganda being spread is by you Liberal clowns that are too timid to realize that you are celebrating your own destruction.

Seems like folks have forgotten that over the ten years ending with the Bush administraion that net job creation and incomes were flat lined for the average American.

During that ten years jobs and companies were fleeing the country in droves because of the Bush tax incentives and the new jobs that were being created on average paid 22% less than the jobs that were leaving.

Aside from the tax incentives that encouraged companies to leave, there was a doubling of health insurance costs to provide benefits to attract the best employees. So of course they left to countries where 'socialized medicine' allowed them to provide even better or at least every bit as good insurance at half the cost.

"Let's see, health insurance benefits help me attract the best employees, health insurance costs continue to skyrocket in the US undermining my profits, the government is offering me huge tax incentives if I move my business elsewhere, plenty of other countries have great health insurance systems at half the cost and at stable predictable costs, what should I do to keep my business on a path of growth and profitability??" It really is a no brainer.

Jack313 wrote:

The Census is new? It's eerily similar to something that's been done every ten years since 1790, oddly enough also called the Census. It was mandated by the US Constitution. What's this new thing you're talking about, Simple? Want to fill us in?

He was being sarcastic. Why is it that you Libs always have to take things out of context?

Jack313 wrote:

It's actually mandated by the Constitution. It'll be amusing to watch someone try to take it to court.

Nobody that posted before you said anything about challenging the Census in court. Not one person. So where did you get this from? And why do you Libs constantly have to pull things out of your anus to stick into the conversation?

Gotta love the good news! Republicans are saying the number don't add up, because they don't want to see the economy recover because that dashes all hopes for them in 2012.

A job is a job folks in these times, I'm sure the census workers are grateful. They have something to add to their resumes, and the census is an important thing.

Now it would be nice to see jobs added next month as well that should pipe down the nay sayers.

162,000 jobs? It must be Bush's fault!!

Everyone wants the economy recover! Lame statement from the "sheeple!"

50,000 jobs of the 162,000 were Census positions! Want to wager haow many others in the 162,000 were government positions, part time, or seasonal positions?

LMAO! When I begin seeing PRIVATE business jobs springing up.....then we all can start feeling good about ourselves!

Ron in Colorado

Seems like folks have forgotten that over the ten years ending with the Bush administraion that net job creation and incomes were flat lined for the average American.

Bush Bush Bush....... Bush Bush Bush Bush Bush Bush......Bush.......

Who was it that said, "It's the economy, stupid?"

Who owns this economy now, stupid?

We have a President named Obama? In 2010? I thought his name was Bush. Did Dubya get a tan?

"The 162,000 jobs are probably temporary Census jobs that will go away and the OBAMA administration will use these numbers to tout how great a job they are doing creating jobs."

Come on guys, at least pretend to read the article before explaining why good news is really bad news:

"The total includes 48,000 temporary workers hired for the U.S. Census, also fewer than many economists forecast."

"Private employers added 123,000 jobs, the most since May 2007."

123,000 new jobs in the private sector. It may not sound like much, but to 123,000 families it's a life changer. It's not unpatriotic to be happy for your country.

Jack, it's called sarcasm. The Census is not an industry (and outmoded for that matter), or at least it shouldn't be relied on to boost employment, but whatever...

Eric-913730

Gotta love the good news! Republicans are saying the number don't add up, because they don't want to see the economy recover because that dashes all hopes for them in 2012.

Yes, because we all know that temporary jobs are what's going to take America back to prosperity, right?

Eric-913730

A job is a job folks in these times, I'm sure the census workers are grateful. They have something to add to their resumes, and the census is an important thing.

Yep. Because we all know that those temporary Census jobs are pulling people out of foreclosure (sarcasm).

Eric-913730

Now it would be nice to see jobs added next month as well that should pipe down the nay sayers.

You mean when the ObamaCrats finally start releasing the bulk of the stimulus funds to create more temporary jobs which will include paying people to get them re-elected? What happens after that, genius?

I can only assume that those on here cheerleading this and Obama are doing so because they have not been affected by this economy. At least not in any real detrimental way.

But those of us that have will not forget that we are fifteen months into this presiency with practically no effort to focus on jobs (unless a midterm election is looming).

There has to be many of us. Possibly hundreds of thousands and we will not forget this when November 2010 and 2012 comes.

At least I won't.

MSNBC you need to get your lips off the Obama flute we know he's socialist pied piper but you need to stop blowing Obama so hard.

Christina Romer, she looks like Aunt Bee from Mayberry. So we added 160,000 jobs that is the biggest lie. We lost 448,000 jobs but add 168,000 jobs. Gub'mint crackheads. America is a drug addicted crackhead and MSNBC is our pusher, dealer and Obamie is the Narco Terrorist.

How can anybody claim we created jobs when the net loss is 300,000 jobs, we are so screwed. Oh by the way, once you take out the temporary jobs, temporary census worker jobs and the Gub"mint job the economy only create 27,000 jobs but lost 300,000 jobs. I'll put this in it's simplest form, we lost 10 jobs and created 1. Yeaaah. For the job market to be flat, meaning, creating as many jobs as we are losing we needed to create 330,000 private sector jobs every GD month.

AS RECOVERY BUILDS, what the blanketie blank.

Our President is GD Socailist Crackhead. Crack is not Hope and Change, Jesus Christ.

A couple questions for the Obama Bots:

How impressive is the jobs created number when you subtract the Census and other temporary positions?

How high would the unemployment rate be if you subtract the Census and other temporary positions? Higher than 9.7 percent?

Simple -

Sarcasm seems to be about all you and "JeDi" have to offer. I suppose it will do in the absence of debate skills, or a sound position.

Tom-Plymouth

Hey DeeToo, they got you hook, line an sinker.

Yes, the only way we can stop illegals is by us giving up another one of our freedoms, the only way we can get health care is by giving up our freedom, whats next? the only way we can become energy indepenent is to price people out of the market? oh wait, that is next, sorry.

Oh please, Tom - losing another one of your freedoms...you have it so bad!!!!

The ID card collects nothing new that you haven't already relinquished - You already gave up your picture ID, your signature, your purchases, your travels, your cash activity, your indebtedness, your taxes paid, your income and household infomation

whenever you fill out a credit application, use your credit card, travel overseas, deposit cash or withdraw it at the bank, get a drivers license, passport or other ID, pay taxes electronically, shop in a store with cameras, get a fishing license, etc...

No freedoms lost here either - Health insurance purchased from insurance companies is what you have now, right? So what have you given up with that?

How on earth can you be denied your freedoms if there is energy legislation? Your power bill is a government plot? The same approach we used for changing the coal market in 1990's is not OK now? Even after it worked? That is truly delusional....

"They" do not have me at all. I am just a realist about what exists, what information is already collected (I work with this daily) and what is being proposed. I recognize that if you want more controls (the illegal immigration ranters constantly complain there are not enough), you have to have a system for enforcing that. The card is one viable option for that system.

Someone has told you that you are losing "your freedoms", so you believe them. Freedom to do what? Tell me what is different? What has been blocked that you need to do? Didn't you mind the warrantless wiretaps during the Bush years? Collusion with phone companies using their records? I posit here that you may be the more gullible person writing on this thread....

Ya know...

"Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 162,000 in March, and the unemployment
rate held at 9.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.
Temporary help services and health care continued to add jobs over the month.
Employment in federal government also rose, reflecting the hiring of temporary
workers for Census 2010. Employment continued to decline in financial activi-
ties and in information.

From the U.S. Department of Labor

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

"Temporary help services added 40,000 jobs in March. Since September 2009, tempor-
ary help services employment has risen by 313,000.

Employment in health care continued to increase in March (27,000), with the larg-
est gains occurring in ambulatory health care services (16,000) and in nursing and
residential care facilities (9,000).

In March, employment in mining increased by 8,000. Monthly job gains in mining
have averaged 6,000 over the past 5 months.

Employment in federal government was up over the month, reflecting the hiring of
48,000 temporary workers for the decennial census.

Manufacturing employment continued to trend up in March (17,000); the industry has
added 45,000 jobs in the first 3 months of 2010. Over the month, job gains were
concentrated in fabricated metal products (9,000) and in machinery (6,000).

Employment in construction held steady (15,000) in March. The industry had lost an
average of 72,000 jobs per month in the prior 12 months."

Go TEMPORARY workers......

See:

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Who is Obama fooling? April Fools day is over !

Private business owners of any size that have been terribly affected by this economy and Obama's total lack of interest in the past fifteen months to do anything about it, need to start a sort of "Business owners against Obama's non-action and policies" organization.

There has to be an awful lot of us who could pool our resources and fight his jobs-killing policies that are destroying our businesses and bring further to light to other businesses how little he's done for jobs in leu of getting ObamaCare passed.

I'd be willing to be a part.

And the Census is a regular factor whether or not there is a Democrat or Republican president or congress. More Republi-poop, the old poop on good news when Democrats are in office tactic. The GOP is a one trick dog and pony show, loyalty to the Republican Party above loyalty to America.

Much of the trick to recovery is rebuilding confidence. Confidence is exactly what stimulates the stock market trading. FDR and his fire side chats on radio during the Great Depression were a great help for the American public's morale through hard times. Obama is trying to boost morale, just as any Republican president would do right now. So it boils down to it is bad when a Democrat does it and Republicans get a pass on doing exactly the same thing.

And the recession was caused during the Bush administration's two terms in office. Maybe it would be good for Republicans quit trying to work directly against any confidence rebuilding and shut up.

Don't believe it for a moment folks!! Remember When: Salaries for the Masses were $1250 to $2500 p/week? There WAS Employer provided Health and Dental Care? There WAS Excellent Profit Sharing - PROFIT SHARING????? - What's In H*ll's That, cause ALL the profit goes to the greedy corporate slave driver!!! Remember when there WAS Excellent Sanctioned and Protected Employee 401 Plans? - Remember when there was Excellent Retirement Benefits after 25 - 30 Years of Guaranteed Employment? - Remember When there was Humanity in American Employers and there WERE Jobs BEFORE the 8% Corporate Wealthy Elite Slashed and Burned GOOD Jobs in America and sent them overseas and are rewarded with tax credits for their treachery???

Does this sound like PreBastille Paris 1789 When "The Madame" kept her appointments with this economic renegade crowd???

There Will Be A Reckoning for what was done to US......

another trueful lie by Obama, lets see new part time government hires with no medical insurance provided and soon 13000 to 15000 new IRS agents to claim jobs created. Great we get nore jobs that do not produce anything. In other words, more socialist government jobs with great retirement benes. This is how a government gets total control of the people, "give" them a job and "give" them a public assistance job. Nothing produced, just costs. socialized jobs, medicine and required type of car to drive as the great daddy in DC says we can have. Daddy can I have an allowance increase,

mike-delray/1.42 ---- seriously? i can't say in a public forum with ladies (gop) and women (dems) present! but you get the picture.

ron in colo. ----- please name the internal revenue code section signed into law by bush that sent jobs overseas. thanks, but i won't hold my breath. if you bothered to read forbes, or wsj, or ibd, or economist of london the past 8 or 10 years, you would LEARN that more jobs came back in those years, than left. quit swallowing the red herrings of the left.

eric ---- let's see, 1/3 of those jobs are census jobs that have ended or will be ending shortly. and those numbers were most likely drawn up before obamascare was signed into law. if you caught challenger gray's march forecast yesterday, you would know that since obamascare was signed into law, planned layoffs and pink slips for march are over 200,000 as the tax costs become known. to wit, caterpillar, verizon, att, john deere, and every other publicly traded company that has to comply with sarbanes-oxley, sec regulations and US GAAP. hope you and obambi enjoy your few nanoseconds of fame...

ray ---

how a government gets total control of the people,

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/03/24/audio-rep-john-dingell-on-how-long-it-took-to-control-the-people/

Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), champion of Obamacare, said of health care that "It takes a long time to do the necessary administrative steps that have to be taken to put the legislation together to control the people."

Temporary Census workers = 48,000

Temporary help services = 40,000,

Seasonal Leisure and hospitality = 22,000.

Seasonal construction industry = 15,000

125,000 of the 162,000 reported jobs are for sure temporary, I would bet most of the rest are too.

Just wait until all the teacher's in NJ that have been given notice their positions are done July 1, 2010 because the Gov. thinks education doesn't count and thousands of teacher's will be unemployed - student's graduating this year from college won't be able to get a position in education - then let's see how they try to explain that this statement about more jobs is bogus! More unemployed is right around the corner - get ready for the 'spin'.

oldcavscout

Private employers added 123,000 jobs

It isn't about politics...it's about honesty.

========================

Oh really? Then riddle me this Batman, how is it ADP reported this past Wed the private sector LOST 24,000 jobs in March? They were expecting a 40,000 gain. The "experts" were expecting a growth of 190,000 total jobs for March.

ADP states the 24,000 LOSS and the government states a 131,000 gain, that's a difference of 155,000 jobs. But by the new "DC math" that's within an acceptable margin of error, plus/minus 50%.

To those of you buying into our government figures I'd be very careful.

The federal government is hiring 250,000 more employees over the next three years. Private industry is still losing jobs like crazy.
No, this is not a recovery. It's just smoke and mirrors as usual.

this srticle also missed 1 important fact. After 9/11, the job market took a small hit, not too bad, it bounced back and pretty much stayed about the same after, up untill about 3 yrs ago, when the bottom started to slowly fall out of it. Then even, it wasnt too bad. almost 2 yrs ago, the bottom blew out, with mass layoffs, and buisness closings. In part to do with all the clowns sitting in the whitehouse, and in congress now. Notice i said "in part", not all?

The fact of layoffs and buisness closings slowing down, and the slight pick up has nothing to do with how the "people in office" are running things. THEY DID NOTHING! It is in part because the companies strong enough to tuff it out without closeing it's doors, can bring in some people to work. Almost all of those are thru temp to hire, or "hire a temp" service. Those people, if 5% of them make it to the hireing point, and into hire will be a miracle. Then it has to do with the contract thru the temp agency and the employer if they will make it past not a standard 60-90 day probationarty period, but a 180 day! Thats 6 months out of the year, no ins benifits thru the company, no UE bennifits if that company cant keep you, nothing. Basically a up to 6 month long shaft to those who opt in on such a deal. You work part time, you are a temp, you are nothing. Thats the way these people see you. Just 1 fat paycheck to them. In case one wil wonder what kind of $ a temp service makes from you, here it is in general. You make say.... $8.00 an hour. thats what you get thru the temp service anyway. The temp service gers on ave for that 8, a nice little $12.00 an hour, you just get a split off it. If you work overtime..... Temp service will get $16.00 an hr, you get $12. Double time, temp service $24.00, and you $16.00. Dont think for production being a temp and all, you get it ez either. I know, i was in a few Temp services, i know how it works. You get the crap jobs...ok np. You basically bust azz, for 30 days (and i mean full hump), to try and earn a way into the company. Thats now, a slim chance, because if you DO make it, then you have another 30 days. Thats the company probation, remember you didnt work for them for 90 days, you just worked there thru a diffrent service under contract. Then with a little bit of luck, the company you work for will have enough buisness to keep you past that 90 days. Good luck on that. Because 6 months from now, things are already slowed down. Because of all the temps, and new hires trying ensure a foot hold in the company, they are now ahead of production orders are basically already met.....guess what happens next?

"yea...you are a great worker and all...but i'm sry to tell you we cant afford to keep you. We are going to have to let you go."

Hmmmm, guess what? Even if you do qualify in some way for UE bennifits, (and you wont, because you will run right to the temp service for more work that they wont have), and if lucky working as a PART TIME TEMP as you were considerd, your bennefits take a huge drop too...thats IF you still qualify. If you dont, and your temp service cant find placment, once in that record of them looking for work for you, you are considered to be guess what, on their payroll. Therefore you are counted as one of those who are working. TA-DA!

Well, just another 7.85 MILLION to go.

I wouldn't start popping any champaign corks yet. Remember this is the same corporate media that couldn't see an $8 trillion dollar housing bubble and the resulting economic crash when it burst. Here's an article from the WSWS website:

March jobs report points to protracted US downturn

By Andre Damon
3 April 2010

The US economy gained 162,000 jobs last month, the most in three years, according to the latest figures from the Labor Department. Far from a recovery, however, the figures reveal a stagnant economy with mass long-term unemployment and a continual decline in wages.

The official unemployment rate remained at 9.7 percent. Even by government estimates, the rate is expected to stay at or above 10 percent for months, if not years.

Approximately 48,000 jobs added in March were temporary hires as part of the US census. According to some estimates,150,000 jobs have to be created every month in order to keep up with population growth. Combining these two figures erases the jobs gain.

The broadest measure of unemployment, which includes “discouraged” workers who have left the labor market and people working part-time because there are no full-time jobs, increased to 16.9 percent. This was the third consecutive monthly increase of this figure.

Long-term unemployment continues to rise, as millions of people have been unable to find jobs for months or years. More than 6.5 million have been out of a job for at least six months, up 414,000 from last month, and an all-time high. The average length of unemployment also rose to the highest level on record going back more than six decades—31 weeks.

An article in the Wall Street Journal Friday noted that the problem of long-term unemployment “is markedly worse in this recession than even in the deep slide of 1981 and 1982.” At the peak of the earlier crisis, the percent of unemployed out of work for six months or more was 26 percent, compared to over 40 percent today...

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2010/apr2010/jobs-a03.shtml

It is a start to turn things around... But there is still a long ways to go before this Country gets out of the mess Bush Jr left us!!!

.001% of the unemployed got jobs. Biggie Wow. And those were 50% government jobs which don't count. As long as Obama is concentrating on his black socialist agenda the fact you have no job does not mean squat to him. And as long as the congressional dems are kissing his ass, your lack of a job doesn't mean squat to them either. Dump them all in November.

Finally, Obama is showing us why he is the right man for the job. A year ago an upward swing in jobs was laughable unless you were a banker. Way to go Obama and wow was the koolaid from the doubters wrong.

Corporate Wealthy Elite Slashed and Burned GOOD Jobs in America and sent them overseas and are rewarded with tax credits for their treachery

show me the internal revenue code section, and related regulations, that do this.

otherwise - sthu. you're swallowing olberman's koolaid. today's flavor is red-herring.

respdoc

Imk02

You are straining to see any of this favorable. It's no wonder that MSNBC promotes a new economic recovery. They've had their lips firmly attached since the campaign; but you have to willingly refuse to look at the people in this country and how they're struggling - those that have always worked, anyway. There are many who've lived off the government dole; so there's no transition for them - just life - and the check, as usual. It's the unemployed and those who are losing their homes: 3,000,000 last years, with more projected for this year. How can you say "It's an upward swing". The new jobs created will be government jobs, because THIS administration is running small businesses out of business. I am a small business owner; and with all the taxes, I'm probably going to just give it up and go back to work for someone else. Last month, with all the taxes, insurance, continuing education, licenses, fees, etc; I got to keep a little more than a third of my gross intake. There is no mistake in that. Sometimes, it is not that big a percentage, but no benefits for me; and I'm always concerned.

I hate the way this administration has stood on the heads of small businesses while bailing out banking, the auto industry, and now increasing federal government even more. I hope the states overturn this illegal legislation, and the only thing this president is remembered for is being the absolute worse one in the history of this country!!!! He is a Chicago-style thug who has wielded the American tax-payer dollar to bribe, coerce, and force his agenda down our throats - and still not everyone has insurance!!!! So, all tolled, one year of time yields another 10 million people being insured - still not all - with more division in this country since the Civil War. These people could have been insured more cheaply and without nearly so much division and strife.

yup, back into aug again, and yes, as i said, the mass layoffs or people looking to get UE was going to spike, because of false interpetation of the economy. 146K a week up to 500k a week now looking for work, and tha sad part is, we still have 2 months of major layoffs to go.

This event happens every year as i said, it is part of the economy, and production/ manufacturing. Orders are made in spring from when a company shows profit, and when orders are filled, things slow dow, and people get let go. every year since before any of us were a twinkle in our mama's eye this has been going on, and why people can be so ignorant not to know, or accept this is beyond me. Still the gov doesnt see it, or prepare for it.

MSNBC actually ran a story on 31 MAR that said the private sector dumped 23,000 jobs in March - so I don't really know which article is accurate. If I had to guess, I'd say we dumped a few more jobs.

that story was on the report by ADP the paycheck company which doesnt include government jobs which is why this report claims we gained jobs, but all it is is temp. census jobs.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36113867/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

Who knows what to believe when? I'm just guessing that the census workers are included in the 162,000 number. Apparently the private sector lost jobs again and the government gained jobs, which is what one would expect with the current set of policies.

Blue Cross just cut 88 jobs here in Pennsylvania on Friday. The strange thing is that none of the jobs cut are in high level management positions. Their excuse was that so many companies that normally use them for health insurace coverage for their employess have downsized and have reduced or dropped coverage all togeather so there is less money coming into the company and that they have started using computers to do more of the work.

Recovering Democrat. Your guess is correct. According to the article 48,000 of the jobs created are census related. So they will be gone when the census is completed.

Recovering & Harry -

Jobs numbers are published by differing companies and agencies. Each reports on differing information. Example - the ADP numbers cover only those jobs included in their payroll reporting systems...They do not include everyone.

This report is from the Labor Department, and covers all sectors and employers... Any poll, database or whatever can be questioned....but if you follow one source consistently - you will see the trends clearly - no matter what data is used.

Try not to opine on the quality of data when you clearly have done little to understand how it is compiled....

on the chat site now with labor stats, they say the pople hired for cencus work are not included, but still i am getting from my understanding they are. Also a lot of these jobs went thru a temp service agency....those can be considered seasonal jobs in most.

and even so, we get stuff like this:

[Comment From Miss K Miss K: ]
Do you think it's fair that the unemployed who have fallen off the radar, those who have exhausted their 99 weeks, are NOT COUNTED amongst the unemployed because they can no longer certify? How are the numbers valid and accurate if hundreds of thousands this year are uncounted?
Friday April 2, 2010 10:10 Miss K

10:10

Steve Haugen (BLS-CPS):
Miss K,

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program is completely separate from the survey used for our official unemployment statistics. The receipt of UI has NO bearing on whether a person is classified as unemployed, which is based on a person’s recent jobsearch and availability to work. If you are not working, are available to work, and have actively looked for work in the past 4 weeks you are counted as unemployed in our measures.

This is a basic double talk because i know they go off of claims filed for UE benifits, and those no longer fileing. So, i'm not even sure the people they have answering question quite know whats going on.

@# 125

I think 162,000 people receiving a pay check in March, that didn't receive one in Febuary is indeed an improvement. I advise that you find one of these NEW HIRES and ask them how they feel. You will probably have a hard time spinning their response to the negative,but I know you will try. Some people are like that-the glass is always described as a percentage of empty, 10% to 90% empty, never %'s full! This attitude is an illness.

well i would gladly talk to one if that person was from this area, but nobody has hired here in a little over a year.

162,000 Jobs created. Employment remains the same? No one can whine about the spin here, the only spin is the BS our gov is trying to give us. It works because common sense isn't so common any more.

Idj I advise that you find one of these NEW HIRES and ask them how they feel.

Tell me where to go

Because right now unemployment in my area is roughly 4 to 6% above the national average.

Dee:

It's sad, but I place more reliability on ADP than the Labor Department. Unfortunately, the Labor Department's main function seems to be to make whatever administration is in power (Democrat or Republican) look good. When you keep changing the rules on counting unemployed, the reliability of what you say is highly suspect. If there was one method and it was used consistently, more faith could be placed in the Labor Department. However, they seem to change methods to produce desired results and have been playing those games since long before President Obama took power. But there has been no move to stop gaming the numbers and "modifications" of the calculations have occurred on his watch, just like his predecessors.

I JUST DON'T GET YOU PEOPLE!!!! It's like some of you don't want the nation to improve. And actually common sense says that there really is no reason for a conservative or republican to even want this nation to get better right now. That decreases the possibility of republicans gaining seats in the house. If things get better, then it will look like maybe the president does know what he's doing. I mean...really...any independent thinkers out there? Can anyone disagree with me that Conservatives/Republicans are hoping like hell that things DON't improve before the this fall? Now tell me how patriotic is that!!!

Do you understand the real spin now??? These people don't care about a better country....only about getting back their "seats". Remember their argument against Clinton's health care reform: Sale across state lines and Tort reform?? Yet, when they had the presidency AND the house, how many bills came across that addressed these issues? Right, none!!! Here they are, repeating that same ole rhetoric again. But does anyone really believe that it's something they're interested in fixing. Good grief...fool me once, shame on you..fool me twice, shame on me

still, one has to look at the sudden mistake they pointed out in the job market, making look like it stayed the same. I tend to believe info in when somethig is being shown for 3 months, rather than all of a sudden it is changed. The March 26th report from the beginning of the year showed more loss than actually saved jobs, from http://www.bls.gov/home.htm , but then it was all of a sudden a boo boo on someones part these numbers were wrong? Lets also take into effect the people who's benni's ran out, and no longer recieve UE bennifits, that are also considered in most, as a hire. They said they do nat base stats on people who are fileing for new claims, still getting a claim, yet there it is when you read what increases are where, and so on. So another double standard in figuring out the formula for people out of work. They also said in the chat, those numbers they get are thru the CPS....and those are the only numbers they look at, and this is done in a survey. huh? So i am guessing that only people with children are being looked at if that is the case according to what BLS was saying, in the live chat. Makes no sence, and either way we look at it, there are thousands more out of work that are not being counted in the BLS to have even a close to accurate count. I have yet to this day recieve any type of survey on my work status, or ethics on seeking work, as they claim to be doing there count by.

Have you heard? Anyone who can make it across our southern border can now apply for political asylum. (drug wars, and all) Guess who wants to grease the axles of the Amnesty wagon? There just might be further negative effects on ****Presidential popularity**** coming to a Dome Hepot near you.

Deetoo......What is your point? The facts I gave regarding Blue Cross came from a Local TV news station interview with a Blue Cross headquarters representative. The facts regarding the census temporary employee figures came straight from the article itself.

chuck-960840 Can anyone disagree with me that Conservatives/Republicans are hoping like hell that things DON't improve before the this fall?

Yes chuck. I'm really hoping I still can't pay my property taxes by the time of the tax sale for my house in June.

I'm really hoping my business stays at around 60% less than it should be.

I'm really hoping my wife's pay remains cut by 10% and her hours cut by 25%.

I'm really hoping I lose another $400 job like I did this week.

I'm really hoping my whole life continues to fall apart financially just so Obama will look bad.

Yes chuck. I can disagree with you.

"Who knows what to believe when? I'm just guessing that the census workers are included in the 162,000 number. Apparently the private sector lost jobs again..."

OK, I'm convinced people are just being willfully obtuse.

"The total includes 48,000 temporary workers hired for the U.S. Census, also fewer than many economists forecast."

"Private employers added 123,000 jobs, the most since May 2007."

The Colonel, couldn't agree more, great post! Just shows how completely out of the loop the libs really are. They are either out of touch elites or "sit at home and wait for their next government hand out check" Obo bot, looters. We are the ones that go out everyday, make a living and keep this country running. While the lib tards sit at home cheerleading the worst Pres in history.

We aren't hoping America fails, how many times must we say this to the Obo bots? We know Obo will fail, his policies simply don't work, ANYWHERE!

Thanks Fenderfan72

People like chuck and clotho keeep suggesting we're unpatriotic or being "willfully obtuse" because we feel it's fifteen months into this so called "presidency" and little to nothing is truly being done to shore up this economy. In fact it seems everything is being done in Washington to further destroy consumer confidence. Meanwhile, I'm in one of the scariest and worst positions of my life and these people are still doing Obama/Pelosi/Reid talking points.

Obviously they have not been affected by any of this and have that luxury but those of us that have, and there's a lot of us, will remember next November. At least I can still vote against them. May not mean anything or have any effect what-so-ever but at least it's something.

no colonel...disagreeing on policy is fine. but where I live (Alabama), you would think someone had died the day after the election. It was the same ole "end of this country" rhetoric that these people have been predicting since the end of the civil war. I know that things are bad in a lot of places all over the country. What REALLY destroys consumer confidence is all the Negative attitudes. What you people can never seem to understand is that in most cases in our history, the government HAD to step in because the old way of doing something had stopped working.

Social Security - Over half our citizens were growing old in a poor underclass...unless you were wealthy or priviledged, or just plain lucky...you got too old to work and had nothing. What would your solution to that problem had been?

Medicare - Again...our society was set up so that only a chosen few truly had access to the "American Dream". Our constitution that everyone on the right likes to refer to ACTUALLY initially only applied to a minority of individuals in this country...the landowners (remind to explain to you that the government "giving" people things, like land, is not new...or socialistic. At least not then.

chuck-960840 the government HAD to step in because the old way of doing something had stopped working.

Then why didn't he do what he "HAD" to do for the past fifteen months and focus on the economy. That would certainly seem to be the most pressing domestic sitiuation. Ehh?

So why did he spend alllllllll that time on practically NOTHING but ObamaCare and now today with a midterm election looming over the democrats heads, he's suddenly interested in doing something.

All I can do is look at government stats, how my business is doing, and how other business owners where I live are doing.

So far I have had NOTHING to cheer about.

What REALLY destroys consumer confidence is all the Negative attitudes.

Then tell Obama to stop with theglom and doom talk whenever he wants a health care bill passsed.

A reminder that Bush did a Wall Street giant corporation bail out with no strings attached, and most of those companies did bonuses with bail out money. Obama was the one that did an additional bail out of Wall Street with strings attached to the money to eliminate abuse of bail outs. He was the one to attempt a bail out of Main Street, the street Republicans couldn't care less about.

Some Republicans call it a jobless recovery because their buddies on Wall Street had a good last quarter, are back in the saddle, and now it is white collar crime business as usual with wild speculation of hedge funds, derivatives and housing - exactly what caused this recession. There is no such thing as a jobless recovery. It is time Main Street feels the change toward recovery instead of just the Republican billionaires on Wall Street.

Then why didn't he do what he "HAD" to do for the past fifteen months and focus on the economy. That would certainly seem to be the most pressing domestic sitiuation. Ehh?

Right because the Big 3 have now gone completely under and thousands more are losing their jobs, and the unemployment rate is still heading out of sight at the speed of light, and banks are still folding left and right, and the housing market is still in an out-of-control freefall. You're right. Nothing has changed.

A lot of businesses did fold and a lot are still not "booming" again. Most of the ones I've seen fold around here were either not doing all that well in the first place, or were providing luxury items which found a new home at the bottom of everyone's priority list, or were one of a dozen providing the same service within a 5 mile radius. Until consumers get back to loading up credit cards and living way beyond their means, I really don't expect that we'll see all of that business sprout back up.

I think he has tried to do some things to help the economy. People on the right belly-ached about "cash for clunkers". It did have its negatives taking a lot of sellable used cars out of the market. But overall, Ford said that it really helped them. And a lot of dealerships escaped the trash pile because of it. At least he tried to do something...and it looked like it worked. But here in the south, talk radio pretty much ignored it or minimized it along with troop expansion in Afganistan. I'm sure they'll do the same for offshore oil drilling. Rush Limbaugh just basically said last year what a lot of people were thinking..."I hope the administration fails".

People complained about the Govt "taking over" GM. But in a choice of either let an extremely economically influential company fail and risk a domino effect of all their suppliers and their employees tanking as well...or...helping them to stay afloat and avoid an even worse unemployment delimma. I mean...good grief, what was the guy supposed to do.

Still...like the stock market...the main contributor to economic growth and recovery is NOT necessarily democratic or republican in nature. No matter what anyone tries, it's mostly just consumer confidence and PERCEPTION of things. And this constant negative attitude doesn't help things. A good example is the Conservative approach to everything: Instead of spending money on people, Just give tax breaks and incentives to businesses and they'll start hiring and jump starting the economy. Hmmm...maybe or maybe not. Still boils down to how confident the business owners are. They could easily just sit on that cash cushion.

Justme-517872 The businesses around me folding are things like automotive repair shops, construction companies, restaurants (big and small), textile printers, etc. Mostly what someone would classify as a "manufacturing" or "maintenance" job. In other words definately non-luxury and necessary businesses.

I'm still looking for an answer to this question: Why is it taking a looming mid-term election to get his butt in gear to do something about it after spending fifteen months on nothing but "ObamaCare" when he KNEW the economy should have been his FIRST domestic priority?

And cash-for-clunkers went broke after a few weeks so I wouldn't really call that one tiny speck of an attempt a success (after all, it only helped those in the market for a brand new car who already owned a car that had to conform to specific guidelines. I feel it did practically nothing to spur growth over all. Except in the car sales industry for a couple of weeks).

Again colonel....A lot of dealerships would have went out of business without it. They were barely hanging on dude. the only thing keeping them open were their service departments. And again...like I also said...what can a government actually do to spur employment? I mean realistically?? "Confidence" is like "goodwill"....it's more perception than anything. All a government really can do is try to do things to bring back the confidence....like making sure that at least all these people losing jobs don't have to worry about losing healthcare as well.

Obama can't bring back manufacturing jobs long shipped off to Mexico, Canada, and the rest of the world, by some other administrations strategy. We can however switch our manufacturing base to something else...perhaps healthcare. somewhere along the way, we totally abandoned consumer goods manufacturing and farming and switched to relying almost totally on Computer Science and the Military Industrial Complex as cornerstones for our economic productivity. That was in place long before Obama got here.

The key to all this is being flexible enough to make adjustments and roll with demand. Factories do it all the time. If the demand changes for a product, they simply retool and start producing what the market is calling for. I know if I were at a crossroads or starting out, I'd be looking at careers in the healthcare, elderly care, or child care industries. Perhaps get me some training and certification in those areas instead of crying about how bad it is. Those places should be goldmines during the next 10 years.

Again, I still have not gotten an answer. Maybe I have and I'm just slow or stupid but here it is again:

Why did it take fifteen months into his presidency for Obama to start seriously (if he really is going to this time) start addresing the unemployment problem? It should have been domestic priority #1. Why wasn't it?

And please don't say he was working on other things too and this was one of them. He was focused almost EXCLUSIVELY on ObamaCare for at least six months (or more) now when obviously the economy should have taken precedence. Why?

First of all, "ObamaCare" is a great example of the demonizing of this plan with a ferocious passion of Republican/Conservative BS, fear mongering (death panels...HA!!!), and lies that demanded a lot more attention and speeches than it should have. "ObamaCare" as if it's some evil idea that Obama all by himself came up with when actually, just about every Democratic President or House has tried to pass something similar to it for the last 50 years. My point is...blame the Republicans for making something so common sense, so simple...so much more difficult than it needed to be. I don't think ANYONE predicted that conservative talk radio was going to fan the flames so much, reminding people that the government is trying to tell them what to do...but at the same time constantly dictating to their listeners what they should or should not be passionately for or against. I listen to Laura Ingraham and Dennis Miller daily. And from day one...from the way Obama threw a baseball, to the type of jeans he wears, to what kind of poor taste in dresses Michelle wears (yes, these were all big topics discussed for days)...these people NEVER take a break from criticizing every crack and crevice of this administration. And after they get a few approval rating points to go in their favor, they can't wait to report them. I guess so...they've worked hard enough for them.

But to answer your question..."Why did it take fifteen months into his presidency for Obama to start seriously (if he really is going to this time) start addresing the unemployment problem".

I don't know what else could be done other than hold up businesses at gunpoint and demand that they hire people or make them retain employees. All you can really do is put some measures in place. a popular one for instance is "changing the prime rate for banks"....or perhaps giving businesses some kind of tax breaks or incentives. then wait and see how people/businesses react. But none of those measure guarantee success. I read where someone wrote something that's so true. A lot of businesses that were in existence in the last few years before the recession...like say, construction supply businesses, were only doing well due to excesses. You can't bring that kind of stuff back. Because realistically, they never should have been booming like that in the first place.

And colonel...."Cash for Clunkers" didn't go broke. Positive response to it was so great that the appropriated funds for it dried up a lot sooner than anticipated. They then simply appropriated more funds to it. I remember a few dealerships having a slight delay getting their checks. Again due to the large participation...but still talk radio IMMEDIATELY jumped on it as...of course, "government failing yet again".

But go ask a dealership or a care company did it help them stay afloat.

chuck, Since my employment is with a dealership company, I can truthfully tell you that the "Cash for Clunkers" program was, indeed, a clunker. All it did was create a temporary spike in sales, like a junkie getting his fix. In the 2 or 3 months afterwards, sales fell BELOW normal levels. All it did was create a temporary spike with a subsequent letdown. Oh, and yes, our company had to battle like hell to maintain its cash flow because it took many months to get reimbursed.....typical government inefficiency and poor preparation.

As for helping them stay afloat .......good dealerships manage profitability largely through parts sales and proper management of the service department. When sales of new and used vehicles take a big dive, operational expenses are trimmed to the max. Unfortunately, some of this "trimming" can include jobs, hours worked and salaries.

Sorry, your argument for "Cash for Clunkers" program success is lacking in reality.

DeeToo

Recovering & Harry -

Jobs numbers are published by differing companies and agencies. Each reports on differing information. Example - the ADP numbers cover only those jobs included in their payroll reporting systems...They do not include everyone.

This report is from the Labor Department, and covers all sectors and employers

====================================

DeeTwo, sorry to burst your bubble here. The portion of this report dealing with the unemployment rate isn't based on reports from the private or government sector. It isn't based on the number of people drawing unemployment. It is a telephonic survey of 60,000 households and the numbers are extrapilated (sp) from the answers. Plus the gvernment drops thousands of people each month from thier calculations. The actual unemployment rate when figured using those the government says are unemployed, those working less than full time hours (not of their choosing), and those the govenment had dropped from the labor force (though they are STILL unemployed) is around 18% to 20%.

Anyway the gvernment spins their doctored number the number of people needing full tme jobs is around 25 million. Even this admiistration now admits it will be at least five years before unemployment reaches 5% to 6%.

Colonel - Chuck doesn't get it... Like Obama and congress, he only buys into the plights of the American citizens Obama conjurs up for propaganda purposes.

The current administration and congress have proven that they will spin the numbers as they please and hope that there are enough ignorant people who will buy it as "recovery," so they can hold on in November.

My guess is that they have seriously underestimated the wrath of those they choose to ignore. I hope and pray that Americans will send a resounding message to this condescending administration and its minions in November - a message that they will be outed, continuously, until they understand that they represent "the people" and are bound to honor the Constitution.

Hope you can hang on, Colonel. You are joined by millions of us - Americans, who are struggling in this rotten economy, which is being led to ruination by this administration. I am not sure the Republicans will do any better, but it's more about delivering the message than anything. And it's likely a message that will have to be delivered many times until elected officials understand that the sleeping giant is awake!

I appreciate your rational posts, and wish you the best.

chuck,

look at what a nyt oclumnist had to say about 'death panels'.

http://patriotupdate.com/stories/read/3211/N-Y-Times-columnist-Death-panels-will-save-a-lot-of-money

when der spiegel (berlin) starts invoking dr joseph mengele's name in connection with obamascare, i think it's time to sit up and pay attention.

I have never had such a hard time finding work as during the 8 years of the George W. Bush Presidency. Ever. I've been working since I was 14. That would be about 22 years ago. Apparently some people were doing well between 2000 and 2008, but I never met any. Unlike some of you commies masquerading as capitalists, I never imagined the President had anything to do with the employment situation. There are larger economic forces at work. If you took the time to study, you might find that global trade, currency valuation, fuel prices, federal interest rates, and many other factors contribute to the situation of the job market. Some of y'all seem to think you can criticise the President out of both sides of your mouth. You talk Commie from the left side, and talk American patriot from the right side. It all sounds like a bunch of retards chewing on bananas.

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."

http://www.industryweek.com/articles/welcome_back_u-s-_manufacturing_16778.aspx

The data is a little old, but we are in the same general situation, only slightly worn down and less optimistic. The same factors are still at work.

ben,

if you had a hard time finding a job with 4.2% unemployment, you either didn't want to work, or didn't try very hard.

either case makes you democrat so it doesn't matter.

Try reading a little. There is great news for small business owners in the health reform plan. You can, of course, continue with your talking points or you could take advantage of what Obama has done for you.

The choice is yours. Isn't choice great????

Maybe business owners should read more.

I would prefer to do for myself rather than have Obama "do for me".

And your an expert in what Kareen? You could never even answer the Health Care questions I asked you before because you never READ the bill.

Kareem do you run a business yourself? Every thing about the bill is detrimental to small businesses. There is nothing in the bill that will help out any aspects of the economy except public sector and unions and that will not spur a recovery. This bill is just about turning this country into a socialist state. Do not call me a nut ethier because the NYT as stated this bill is about redistribution of wealth and that is socialism 101.

Kareem,

You are clueless dude. I own a small company. Obamacare is forcing me to sell my company. My 89 workers wil be history. i will make out very well though. Obama is ruining the economy with his marxist ways.

Bob - It is not "Obamacare" making you sell your business, and you know it. Obamacare hasn't even gone into effect yet. Get real - Nice to have a scapegoat, but let's discuss facts -

It's the rotten economy that has gouged most small businesses - and that is improving, albeit slowly. Health insurance costs have been rising far faster the past 10 years than incomes, so it becomes relatively more expensive until many are now at the breaking point - especially with business so slow.

If anyone discusses the mandate, if you must, you could just pay the fine per employee the next couple of years until the economy improves. That is only a few hundred dollars per - so would be affordable in a crunch.

No - if your business is failing, it is NOT due to health care reform. It had to be failing already. You know it. You just are angry that things aren't going well, and want someone to blame.

Try reading the following - very interesting article from yesterday in the Charleston paper. It may help you see where the real issues are... and some possible solutions. I'm sorry your business is hurting. Many are in the same situation. You must be resourceful, so I hope you will find a way to bounce back.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/apr/01/make-value-added-tax-winning-weapon-trade-war/

What choice is there in being required to buy insurance?

Bob,

If you're selling your business, you'll need to be more honest about why. No one with a clue will believe anyone's closing their business because of health care reform. If you're selling it, then it's still a viable business, and you personally are just not up to the task of running it, while someone else will be. Nice try.

Thanks for that one DeeToo. Good grief, the nerve of some people. Here in the south, I hear it 24/7. Every comment addressing anything remotely negative is somehow tied to the healthcare bill. It's ridiculous!!! And you're right about the fines that NO ONE really goes into detail on. The "fine" if you don't have insurance is about $65 to a couple hundred dollars for the average citizen FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR!!! And furthermore...why in the heck wouldn't you want everyone to have insurance anyway. Everywhere I've worked, the more people in the plan, the cheaper it is. And to the people complaining about "paying for freeloaders"...NEWSFLASH, you're already paying for freeloaders!! At least this plan makes a lot of them get insurance.

All you have to do is go research where the republican/conservative people get a LOT of their contributions from: The insurance industry. Now use your common sense for a minute....is it to "preserve freedom"?? "restore america to dominance"?? "uphold our constitutional rights"?? or just to simply preserve that profit margin?

Hilarious.

While the country takes small steps to recover, the party that clearly had no ideas and that whines every day still boo hoos.

Sorry but per your hopes and dreams, this country is NOT FAILING anymore....we are moving forward....

"What choice is there in being required to buy insurance?"

Other choices have been turned down via Republican and conservative Democrat obstructionism. Those are the one and the same people that proposed the requirement to buy insurance - which ultimately stinks of lobbyist money as this means tens of millions of new customers for the health insurance industry.

My support was for the one and the same public option the rest of the major industrialized countries have. They pay one third to on half of the cost we do while getting generally better services for ALL citizens under universal coverage. It is actually a choice/public option, as the personal expense of basic coverage is so low most people then feel free to engage in out of pocket expenses for specific items and services.

As an alternative, Allan Grayson's simple 3 page proposal sounded good - people buying into Medicare at an earlier age at cost. That would have rescued Medicare and provided low cost health care services with essentially little added bureaucracy.

kareem & jack,

small business owners DID read it. that's why they're bailing out. there is no good news for employers of any size. to wit, caterpillar, att, john deere, verizon - and every other publicly traded company is going to take a huge tax hit on future costs. but because it went into effect last month, the p&l charge, and related sec 8k filings, will be in the first quarter. the alleged tax credits for small businesses? none, if the owner(s) maker over $20k per year.

yeah it's a winner all right. like congressman dingbat said, it's about control.

http://blog.heritage.org/2010/03/24/audio-rep-john-dingell-on-how-long-it-took-to-control-the-people/

Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), champion of Obamacare, said of health care that "It takes a long time to do the necessary administrative steps that have to be taken to put the legislation together to control the people."

Kareemed in his coffee, You say "The choice is yours. Isn't choice great????"

Then why has your anointed one, B.O., eliminated a young man's choice to CHOOSE on paying for Health Insurance or not.

You contradicted yourself there............ must have mixed a little Kool-Aid in there ! LOL!!

I'm sick of paying for those who CHOOSE to not have insurance. When they get sick, break a bone, need xrays, ect., their bill gets rolled into the policies of the insured. Everyone will need medical care at some point in their lives. By choosing to not have insurance, you are choosing to be a slacker.

Most people don't have insurance because they can't afford it. Enough with the gop losing talking points. You guys are like broken records.

Next!

Dee Too:

My business is doing ok. Things have dropped off since Comrade Obama lied his way into power though. I have 89 employees and I do not provide health insurance. Now I will have to. I cannot afford this unless I cut my staff or cut payroll drastically. So as a protest, Iam selling my company to a Chinese firm. I am already well of and will make additional millions off this sale. The 89 American jobs will disappear though. Drastic move on my part? Absolutely! But we must rebel against this regime that is trying to take over business in the US. After the liberals are voted out in 2010 and 2012, I will start a new company and crush the Chinese firm.

susan,

business owners know exactly what the government is doing. a day after obamascare was signed, challenger gray issued their jobs forecast for march - 200k loss. days later, many publicly traded companies began announcing the tax cost of obamascare, asthey are required to do under sarbanes-oxley, sec regulations, and US gaap.

the prez was told at the bankers summit in december that they could not give away 0% interest loans to their best customers. the looming tax increases, draconian costs of obamascare were the reasons given. charles gasparino of cnbc did a great article on it back in january in the nypost.

btw, the president's reply? he didn't care if the businesses wouldn't borrow. he would continue saying that they refused to loan to businesses and most of the press would publish or broadcast anything he said. gasparino's source was rahm emmanuel.

the president knows exactly what he's doing. it's one of the cornerstones of acorn: make as many businesses and individuals dependent on the government as possible.

he's doing a helluva job there.

There was a time when Americans looked down on constant complainers. Now the whiners are holding the flag highest, and call real go-getters "socialists". How effing pathetic. The People have let me down. Looking at Newsvine, I begin to doubt that Americans "have what it takes" to survive even minor setbacks. What a bunch of spoiled babies.

Wait until the next numbers come out after the census people are let go. Then it there will be ANOTHER we didn't know it would be this "bad". Even California not this stupid to beleive this bs. They already came out with an actual article that the numbers will look good in a week then drop again in 30 days.

The point needs to be hammered home that these corporations need aggressive regulation. For example, the parent company of Blue Cross had its CEO go before Congress and under oath testify that they had to raise premiums just to survive. Then it was discovered they had spent millions of dollars or luxury conventions and bonuses. In short, THEY LIED.

"Arrogance" is the first word that comes to mind. They are as bad as their Wall Street counterpart CEOs and executives.

Would that be anything like AIG that Timothy Geithner bailed-out ????

By the way, Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO plan in my state was recently rated in a leading Consumer reporting type magazine as the 2nd best plan in the country. NIce try.

I agree. I hope everyone (even those I disagree with) has a glorious Easter!

Happy Easter Comrads!

Wonderful thought Go USA and Mark too funny..... I am still laughing.

I know...I can't wait.

You're not going to send in your Census form, are you?

I filled out the number of people living in my household and their sex. That's it, and in the mail.

Jack -

Why give one more job to Obama's lackeys? They should have to earn their money just like the rest of the taxpayers do. As long as it's the basic census form, there's no problem.

Tammy - "Obama's lackeys"? Man - what a crack-up! You sound like you are from the Soviet propaganda ministry in the 1960's.

The census has been taken every ten years for more than two centuries. Not exactly something Obama put in place. These temporary positions have been there, and are like any other data gathering job. Don't disrespect these people who are glad to be working just because you have a burr in your "under-alls"...

You guys really sound goofy, preprogrammed, and mindless.

Some people say it's only government jobs that are available/being created. Maybe it's true, maybe not. But the hospital where I work, they have 3 pages of open positions. Most are for CNA (nurses aides), then for LVN, respiratory therapists, lab workers, one pharmacist, patient intake workers (2), RN (6), and one position for housekeeping. I'm assuming the other hospitals in the area must be doing the same. That's encouraging.

mickey...that's EVERYWHERE. Both hospitals in the town where I live ALWAYS have pages of openings. If people can't find a job in their field, then change fields. Do your research to determine where there's a demand for something that you're good at or like to do, then go for it. Jobs are out there. It's just a matter of bearing down and doing the things that most of us just don't want to do: Get out of our comfort zone!! You know, like temporarily taking a lessor job...or retraining...or getting a side "hustle" to make ends meet until things get better.

So many of the middle class has lived in this fantasy world on a job sitting at some desk doing some job that your company really didn't even need you to do in the first place. They were just splurging when times were good.

Of course there are plenty of exceptions, but in a lot of cases, if you got laid off...then your company has really been wanting to get rid of you anyway... either because your position was never really needed...or you were just extra, unproductive, un-unique baggage that they never really had a good enough reason to let you go....untill now. You all think the national unemployment rate is bad? You should go check it for Blacks and Hispanics for the last 20 years!

dee-

it's obambi's & his crew that sound like the tass and pravda. oh yeah, and the lamestream media that keeps up the moon-beam chant of how we're all in nirvana now.

Yeah, I can't wait for the Congressional elections either. It's about time Republicans learned how little they appeal to regular Americans. Goodbye, GOP! No do-overs, you lose and that's it!

B.Jones

"I would bet that information will be omitted"..

I'll take that bet -

1. 48,000 jobs census

2. plus 27,000 jobs in healthcare - nurses, technicians

3. plus 8,000 jobs in mining

4. plus 17,000 jobs in manufacturing

5. plus 40,000 jobs in temporary services

etc.

you do alot of ranting - but obviously very little research...merely go to US Labor and you can get any data you need.

don't waste your time challenging people to make bets with you - the ill informed usually lose - but I'm sure you are used to that.

B Dune,

Thank heavens - you have been missing here. So many people just want Obama to be wrong, or to be responsible for all their woes.... He is responsible for trying to get things fixed.

I love facts, data, etc. I wish more people here would learn about the topics they rant about - not by letting someone else tell them what to say, but by reading original source materials. I guess they aren't informed enough to know where to look...

So many people just want Obama to be wrong, or to be responsible for all their woes

Dee Too do you remember the quote, "What's good for GM is good for the country."?

Well our teaparty friends have changed that quote a little,

"What's good for the GOP is good for the country."

Any good news or progress in government is BAD for the GOP. They are the party that has said government doesn't work and to their credit everytime they gain the levers of power in Washington, government doesn't work. So you see ANY good news even a slight up tick in employment will be met with screaming and denial.

It's what they do.

Old Ike is rolling in his grave. The current GOP is pathetic beyond measure. Having fundraisers in strip clubs! Tea-bagger protests! Hilarious! All those tea-baggers are living on Social Security and have Medicaire. They are retired. If they had jobs, they wouldn't have time to tour the country and protest all the time. Looks like "socialism" is keeping the demagogues alive. Please, please, just all shut up. Whatever happened to the party of Eisenhower?

Ben...yea, they are acting like a bunch of democrats...disgusting. Telling people to "just shut up".? Does that work really well for you??

Alright, J.A, I'll bite. I won't try to reason with you... that's the approach that makes Democrats lose every time. I'll just explain to you the reality that has not yet soaked through your feeble brain. Your party lost both houses of Congress, and the Presidency, at a time when the Democratic leadership is despised equally by voters of all stripes. An experienced Senator and war hero (John McCain) lost to an unknown young (Black) guy with a funny name (and big ears), who has only been in politics for a few years. Has it occured to you that the GOP is doing something wrong?

Ben....yes the GOP has been doing something wrong....They left their conservative supporters....that doesnt mean that we like the socialist democrats.....How is that popularity thing working out for you now? People are waking up to what the socialist democrats are all about and most of us dont like it one bit....can your feeble brain understand that at all.?...what an ass....Come on, tell us all to "just shut up" again....works wonders...

lol easy to not think for yourself?

Gotta Love the Indoctrinated. It's called the 2010 CENSUS!!!!

Actually Gary, I do very well thinking for myself, thank you. I think what scares you about articles like this one is that maybe your predictions about the Republicans "taking it all back" in November don't seem quite as certain...hmmm.

No what is interesting is even the libreal rags are not buying this BS, but MSN keeps banging it out.

Carolyn- they sell fear. The wingnuts are starting to realize their emperor, Rusty the Chickenhawk has no clothes.

Oh Carolyn.......please read the majority of comments here. I'm not the only one who sees through the "smoke-screen"! Jobs aren't going to stop the conservative takeback of America. This liberal administration's gleeful refusal to abide by the Constitution, and reconciliation vote to shove healthcare down the majority of America's throat is ONE reason why there will landslides in November, and a return to conservative values in 2012! Ponder that until your coffee jumpstarts your brain this beautiful morning!

Oh.......by the way......everyone have a Happy Easter! Remember the real reason for today and the wonderful gift provided us ALL today.......unless our liberal progressive friends attempt to take/change this day as well! Amen!

Gary,

Still waiting - more than a year now - for someone to point out exactly what part of the Constitution has been ignored or otherwise violated by this president and Congress. For the love of Pete, could you please not keep us in the dark any longer? Which provision(s) of the Constitution, specifically, have been violated?

Conservative "values?" What might they be?

Abide by the Constitution. Hmm. I see you are part of the free lunch crowd. I bet you claim the health care bill is eroding your freedom. The only freedom it is taking away is your freedom to pass your health care costs down to the insured and society. Most conservatives understand that there is no such thing as a free lunch. You are no different than the welfare mamas you love to vilify. They pass the costs of their children down to society, you pass the costs of your healthcare down.

We shall see in July when the Census workers are no longer working. Until then, unless the private sector starts to hire in big numbers, I suspect things will be about the same or worse.

Huskers,
You've been having the uninsured's medical costs passed down to you forever.
Why is it, do you think, that premiums keep going up?
Oh, and part of your taxes also go to insuring the poor.
But I know, that doesn't go well with your party's Obama is bad mantra.

You know what?
I mis-read Huskers post
and so yeah, egg on my face.

I have to laugh.

If congress would not have done the healthcare behind closed doors they would have the highest rating of any Presidency since JFK. Disgusting they are so into the lobby monies they could not see this.

Honestly they can dress numbers up as much as they want..we are sittin on 10% UEP and 20% UDEP for a total of 30% of the pop needing work. When those figures move then we will talk. They will not go up while we have a net job loss....which we have had for 2+ years.

The real question is whether our economy would have recovered FASTER without the bank bailouts, without the auto industry takeover and without the passage of Obamacare.

If Obama had done absolutely nothing at all, I believe our recovery would already have been underway. The massive debt, the piling on of more government bureaucracy has done little but create fear and uncertainty in small and medium businesses everywhere.

What will the anointed one push tomorrow ??? Amnesty for illegals, Cap and Tax, higher taxes ??? Obama is like a chihuahua on crack cocaine. "Oh I just can-not wait to be king !!!!"

I like this thread. Some tough cookies hanging around, making Newsvine interesting for once. Hit 'em and keep hitting 'em! Clobber the mongoloids! Shame them into going into hiding, and biding their silence! I gotta go. Keep up the good work!

Jim,

Obama is like a chihuahua on crack cocaine. "

Glass houses, remember? Don't make me talk about your mother.

Ben....you stated "clobber the mongoloids". What an ignorant statement. Worse than racism. You are an embarrassment....but too dumb to be embarrassed.

What is interesting is most states are actually reporting their unemployment closer to 20% for which they report it to the federal goverment.In fact we have some areas at the 30% mark right now in California.

The Dow is up nearly 75% from a year ago. I guess the truth hurts.

Dow as you should know does not always reflect unemployment.

Let's see. The Dow predicted this recession, didn't it?

Again eco 101 unemployment does not always go with the DOW as business shed jobs and they also take over seas buying into factor the Dow will rise.

Talk about kool-aid. The Dow is at it's highest level in 18 months, and you still can not accept reality. We are living in a world economy now. I may be mistaken, but I believe every company which is listed on the Dow is based in America.

And looking at what should happen of course it up. Does it mean more jobs? No.

Obama did what to get the Dow up? As I said the Dow will do what its suppose to do.

husker- the dow hit it's alltime high when bush was in office. this rally is shortlived as our country no longer makes enough widgets, which create real wealth. government does not and can not create wealth.

Funny, but when Obama came into office and the Dow was on it's way to 5,000 everyone in here was screaming it was Obama's fault.........and now that it's improved vastly......oh, it had nothing to do with Obama. So which one is it?

HuskersLoveBo - The same DOW that PBO and Biden said didn't matter to them? When they said that employment was more important. Wow in a year the left is off the jobs and are now on the Dow. Unbelievable.

husker,

explain how the dow has gone up 75% please. you must be one of those dept of labor types that created 162k jobs last month.

Anyone with a name of HuskersLoveBo says it all.

Say Moron, I mean Jake, obviously you know as much about the economy as you do college football. Why don't you Google Bo college football and Nebraska to get an education.

Seen your post before Husker if Obama walked in a room with you today you'd *** all over yourself.Bottom line is not even libreal California rags are that stupid to beleive this BS.

So now Sub-Prime Loans are Bush's fault? THAT'S FREAKIN' HILARIOUS!!!!!!!! You better go have another Kool-Aid and do some research. Start with Barney Beans and Franks and all the special deals/mortgages, including Chris Dodd!!!!!

I see Dodd hit the number #1 list for the most corrupt politician in Washington.

My facts are from Hank Paulson's book. You do know who he was, don't you?

lol typical lib I should had known. lol lol lol

Paulson is a lib? Obviously, you have no idea who he was. You need to Google him too.

My facts are from Hank Paulson's book. You do know who he was, don't you?

LOL Hank Paulson.

No your a lib Husker and I agree with Peter its just funny as h88.

Still can not answer the question, can you?

Husky,

"Obama did not get us in this mess,"

You are right. It was Clinton. His ridiculous plan to allow every sub-human in the ghetto to purchase a home with a guaranteed, $0 down loan is what started the housing mess and brought down the economy. GWB on 12 different occasions, warned the dem-controlled congress about the housing problem but of course they ignored him.

Huskerslovebo - I agree with you on everything. Sometimes it is so frustrating to have a conversation with people that want all the blame to be Obama's and none of the credit. I also have my own business and am seeing everything pick up, money flow just a tad better, etc.

To the people who think that the jobs are all census jobs, fill in your census so those who would have been employed don't get employed and save some tax payer money. That will show Obama he can't mess with you.

Economics 101 - Jobs/Employment is a lagging indicator. Look it up - anyone with any economics education knows this.

Stock market - it is up and a whole bunch of smart people are happy. The ones who were into the stock market for the long haul. Sorry to those who bailed at the bottom. 5 people I told not to cash it in if their portfolio was balanced. The 4 who followed my advice and advice from experts (which I'm not) are all real happy with the progress of their portfolio's.

What about the expected 8Billion gain from the sale of citibank? How about the money that has been returned from those who were rescued with interest so they can pay obscene bonuses to themselves.

While GWB was in power I didn't hear a lot of screaming when we were loosing 750,000 jobs a month? Where were you then? Now that we are showing signs of stabilization everyone is dogging Obama. I don't agree with everything he has done but at least it is something.

Yes, we have a way to go and there will be bumps and bruises but we are not sliding backwards on every indicator.

Nice post, waukone

I'm glad to hear your firm is doing well, Husker! I hear from a lot of my industry buddies how many businesses are going out of biz,payroll and sales being way way down, being cancelled for non payment etc. I am a commercialproperty casualty insurance broker and when firms start doing better again, there will be more of a need for more of us good honest insurance professionals. Hopefully, I will be gainfully re-employed soon as more of our businesses start seeing increased income.

Bob in FLA -

You really have been listening to too much FOX....I will say it once again - for those of you who are SLOW - this is NOT about CRA. Only a very tiny portion of the nasty debt/credit out there related at all to that. This has to do with deregulation, lack of capital to support lending, lack of down payments and lending over 100% of value based on th FANTASY that the housing market "always" went up.

The sub-prime andmortgage default collapse mess was created by mortgage companies that were OUTSIDE THE BANKING SYSTEM. They were completely deregulated. They sold their loans to Wall Street. Also deregulated. These loans were bundled into MBS's that hid the weaknesses in the portfolio, then rated AAA by the ratings services - also deregulated. Then these MBS's were stripped of their risk by purchases of insurance that would cover defaults (AIG, remember - also deregulated) and sold to the WORLD as clean top-rated credit. Wall Street made billions betting on these loans failing. They did, and the housing market collapsed.

The real tickler is that the housing boom was covering up a bigger problem - the fact that our jobs were all being shipped overseas by our corporations - since the 1980's particularly. When all the folks working on building, selling, restoring, selling houses were unemployed, the other industries we had were gutted, so there were no alternative jobs for them.

GWB had no interest in any of the housing issues until the thing started to collapse in 2007....by then, too late. The tidal wave had been building since the 1980's, and no president had the brass to stop it. GWB actually said it was patriotic to spend money - lots of it, that's why he emptied the coffers of our reserve surplus to leave us with a huge debt at the end of 2008. The economy had been overstimulated by declining interest rates, allowing refinancing, allowing overspending so the public's income was flat - but their spending grew exponentially during the Bush years. When the mortgage market collapsed - their "house-ATM's" broke down too. Suddenly Americans had to live within their means - not on credit cards and lines of credit.

So there it is. The truth. No propaganda and "talking points". This is not about Bush or Clinton or Reagan or any president - it is about a financial philosophy that took us to the brink. We can thank corporate America for NOT taking care of us. They covered themselves, bonuses themselves, deregulated themselves by buying politicians, moved millions of jobs off-shore, and make pretty little dividends for their shareholders to keep the stock market happy.

The courts now are supporting them again - so they can now buy elections outright.

Stop trying to blame our presidents. They are there only eight years at most. Look at corporate America, and you will see the shadowy plans that brought us here. The politicians work for them now...not us.

I want to enshrine this quote because it will probably be deleted soon. This is the true face of the conservative movement in this country. Notice no one on the right challenged him.

from BobinFL

You are right. It was Clinton. His ridiculous plan to allow every sub-human in the ghetto to purchase a home with a guaranteed, $0 down loan...

Nobody in the teabag movement is a racist...RIGHT?

DeeToo

Good post.

You are right. It was Clinton. His ridiculous plan to allow every sub-human in the ghetto to purchase a home with a guaranteed, $0 down loan...

Nobody in the teabag movement is a racist...RIGHT?

It would be racist if the "ghetto" were exclusively populated with a particular race. Call it what you want but that program destroyed the 'burbs around here. Lucky you if yours didn't get trashed. My parents worked like hell their whole lives, got the house paid off, and now they have to deal with a rodent infestation from the "subsidized" family next door, drugs being sold across the street with shady people coming and going at all hours, armed robberies, muggings, home and car burglaries, shootings. Unfortunately by the time they were in a position to buy a new house, the market dropped. Now they'll be lucky to be able to sell it at all and it sure won't be for anywhere near what it was worth before the housing boom.

Justme-517872

Nice try, no cigar.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghetto

Originally used in Venice to describe the area where Jews were compelled to live, a ghetto is now described as a "portion of a city in which members of a minority group live; especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure."

I don't think every person in the teaparty movement is a racist. But movement would gain a lot of credibility, at least in my eyes if these kinds of statements were called by the rest of the conservatives in this country what they are, RACIST.

Instead you people on the right want to make excuses for this kind of nonsense.

Once again, Paulson stated there were very, very few sub-prime loans made before 2002. I believe Bill Clinton's term ended on January, 2001. In Warren Buffetts 2003 shareholder letter he warned of the sub-prime problem. Nobody in Washington listened.

Why do people always read race into everything?

Bob's comment (to me) was a socioeconomic one, not racial. There are people of ALL races in the "hood"/on welfare believe that- but what everyone in the ghetto has in common is low socioeconomic status. I do agree that the term "sub-human" was an awful choice of words and could have DEFINITELY been reworded/left off. Noone deserves to be called sub-human regardless of race, income, religion, etc. But we are too quick to call any and everything racist.

Now as an AA, it really annoys me how people automatically read race into everything. We're just waaay too sensitive. I guess you have to in some way own that mentality in order to take offense to it. If you tend to think that "subhumans in the ghetto" are minorities then- you'd take offense when someone says something like that. But ah well.

Asiva

a ghetto is now described as a "portion of a city in which members of a minority group live; especially because of social, legal, or economic pressure."

This is not MY opinion as to what the poster said/meant this is the DEFINITION of ghetto. Words have meaning.

If you can't see that he is equating minorities with sub-humans, I think YOU are misreading what the man said.

By the way, we both agree that sub-human was a poor choice of words.

Nice try, no cigar.

Right. With a quote from Wiki Lol. If you check around various areas of the country the ethnic category of the majority in the ghettos vary. In some areas, you'll find it mostly white, in others mostly black, in others mostly hispanic. Last time I checked White was not a minority. And at least in the ghetto areas around here, they are by no means exclusive to any one group.

Sub-human may be a little strong but it does happen to be an accurate description of what moved in next door to my parents. They most definitely aren't fit for the 'burbs. You can try to turn it into a race thing but the original statement was still accurate. It may not be PC to say so, but that program trashed good neighborhoods. It would be unreasonable to expect those who stood by helplessly and watched it happen in their own neighborhoods not to be ticked about it.

But just for the record, I don't think it was Clinton that deregulated the banks, and I don't think he was the one who pushed the programs that brought down the housing industry.

Justme,

I'm sorry for what happened to your parents and believe it or not I can relate. I bought a house for my business 20 years ago and rented out the upstairs. Let's just say it didn't end well. So again I can understand where you are coming from.

If you don't like Wikipedia, how about this. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ghetto

Again words have meaning and to categorize anyone as sub-human is a dangerous thing.

deetoo,

if it's not about cra, tell me why: federal law and regulations prohibits banks from taking charge offs on bad cra mortgages? why are cra mortgages exempt from the biennial examination by the occ, but no other category of loan or mortgage is? why are cra mortgages, when they are declared in default by federal regulators, not allowed to go through the p&l as all other bad debts must, but rather are a direct hit against equity? why are banks prohibited from disclosing in 8-ks, 10-q's and -k's, and annual report to shareholders, the amount of cra mortgages in default or in danger of going in default?

all of the above is codified in bank regulations administered by the office of the comptroller of the currency, which enforces cra, and does the biennial examination of all nationally chartered banks.

tracytruth, I'm surprised really that the definition doesn't explain that the stereotype would be regarding a minority, while in reality it isn't always true. In the U.S. alone, the "problem" group varies by location.

Yeah, I know "subhuman" is royally non-PC and conjures images of domination, torture, and all kinds of other medieval stuff and its usage puts us in danger of dehumanizing others and leads us back down a path we really don't want to go. I'm not terribly impressed with PC. I don't pretend I don't say mean things about people, and if I'm gonna call it like I see it, I'm not going to dress it up to avoid offending delicate senses. I guess the flip side is if I say you're awesome, you know it's because I think you are. If you're a royal jack... I'll tell ya that too lol (but usually in the most diplomatic way). Most of the time I'm pretty nice, but there are some who I would categorize as sub-human like rapists and those who harm children, and beasts like the ones next door to my parents.

Justme,

Do you think that most people that live in a "ghetto" are sub-human?

Tracy,

To clear up a few things.

1. I am not part of tea party.

2. I am a democrat.

3. And yes, there are many subhumans in the ghetto.

You sound like a typical, koolaid-drinking liberal. You get spanked in a debate and immediately cry "racist!!". Of course with Comrade Obama doing the same thing, it's natural his sheep like you would follow along. The good news is his reign of terror ends in Nov when the liberals are swept out.

Asiva

Why do people always read race into everything?

it's the last bastion of hope when a leftist/progressive/marxist/librul (all are interchangeable) runs out of sane comments in a discussion. it is spewn just before the hari-kari is initiated.

Do you think that most people that live in a "ghetto" are sub-human?

No. That's a special category for the worst of them. My sister fits right in and she's lilly-white so that's why the race thing doesn't fly with me. There are plenty though that don't belong in a decent neighborhood in the 'burbs. Owning your own home in the 'burbs isn't a right, it's a privelege. Those who work their arse off for it, appreciate it. And then the gov foots the bill for drug dealers and gang-bangers to move in next door.

Do I consider them as a "lower" class of people? Yes. Quite frankly I do. 10 years ago it was unheard of for a guy to beat the living crap out of a girl in the middle of the street while everyone watched. Now no one even bothers to call the cops. I consider them to be "lowlifes" just as I also consider drug dealers and gang bangers lowlifes. Some would say I'm judgemental, others would say I have standards. Considering every last person on this earth with an opinion on anything is guilty of passing judgement, I'm not concerned too much with the former.

Are they all like that? Of course not. The couple across the street are both honest, hard-working people who are always looking out for their neighbors and take beautiful care of their home. Their kids leave a lot to be desired but the parents are the kind of people you hope will move in next door.

Justme,

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. You and I might not agree on everything, but I think we could find much common ground.

And since when is it the governments responsibility to create jobs? It's seems to rights argumment has been - 'No Big Government - Now Fix Everything'

Funny, most economists are stating the recession is over. So in answer to your question,no intelligent people think so.

And specifically since you say MOST economist are stating the recession is over give me names dc.

The same economists who are WRONG on EVERY Estimate, The same Economists that FAILED to see the Sub-prime Loan Crisis. GREAT SOURCE!!!!!

(AP)

More than 80 percent of economists believe the recession is over and an expansion has begun, but they expect the recovery will be slow as worries over unemployment and high federal debt persist.

That consensus comes from leading forecasters in a survey by the National Association for Business Economics released Monday.

80% is most don't you think.

More than 80 percent of economists believe the recession is over and an expansion has begun, but they expect the recovery will be slow as worries over unemployment and high federal debt persist.

yea and that 80% of economists are Keynesian economists, and they dont know their asses from holes in the ground. listen to an Austrian economist talk once and learn the real truth.

Don't get too caught up on the word recession. Remember how long it took them to declare a recession when the whole world knew long before. I don't know the mathematical guidelines for when a recession is over but it's just a formula. It means little or nothing to the individuals.

Are those the same economists who failed to predict the housing bubble?

When it comes to Economists. I believe the other 20%.

Keynesian? Hmmm. And what economic theory did Bush follow right over the cliff? I know, start a war based on deliberately skewed intelligence and then borrow from the Chinese to finance it.

And who was in Bush office at that time that knew this was happening Husker?

JTM----------- I run a business, I don't expect BO to do anything except quit spending money, shut up and sit down.

American business was doing well a long time before the inept liar in the white house came on the scene. However I can't compete with the US governmnet for funds.

This article is ridiculous, 160 000 jobs added , but the 9.7 unemployment rate is static.

However if you add 8% to insurance fees and 5,24% increase in taxes, he can certainly hurt business and it will.

Do you very unintelligent people actually believe you will add 32 million people to a program that will give them free insurance and no one pays for it.?

Do you people actually belive you can add about 11% to operational costs for mfg( the Cap and Trade bill) and it won't hurt business?

You libs deserve what is about to happen to you, if it weren't for the people in this coiuntry that still want only what they earn, I would just kick back and laugh my fanny off.

September 11, 2003 (NY Times)

The Bush administration today recommended the most significant regulatory overhaul in the housing finance industry since the savings and loan crisis a decade ago.

Under the plan, disclosed at a Congressional hearing today, a new agency would be created within the Treasury Department to assume supervision of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored companies that are the two largest players in the mortgage lending industry.

The new agency would have the authority, which now rests with Congress, to set one of the two capital-reserve requirements for the companies. It would exercise authority over any new lines of business. And it would determine whether the two are adequately managing the risks of their ballooning portfolios.

The plan is an acknowledgment by the administration that oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — which together have issued more than $1.5 trillion in outstanding debt — is broken. A report by outside investigators in July concluded that Freddie Mac manipulated its accounting to mislead investors, and critics have said Fannie Mae does not adequately hedge against rising interest rates.

”These two entities — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — are not facing any kind of financial crisis,” said Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. ‘‘The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing.”

Representative Melvin L. Watt, Democrat of North Carolina, agreed.

”I don’t see much other than a shell game going on here, moving something from one agency to another and in the process weakening the bargaining power of poorer families and their ability to get affordable housing,” Mr. Watt said.

BARNEY FRANK STOPPED BUSH'S ATTEMPTS TO REGULATE FREDDIE AND FANNIE, 17 TIMES! Guess that's what happens when you're having an affair with an Executive!!!!!

November 6, 2003

White House warns of GSE risks

Fannie, Freddie enjoy perception of backing

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bush-adviser-warns-of-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-risks

For many years the President and his Administration have not only warned of the systemic consequences of financial turmoil at a housing government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) but also put forward thoughtful plans to reduce the risk that either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac would encounter such difficulties. President Bush publicly called for GSE reform 17 times in 2008 alone before Congress acted. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded, as the President’s repeated attempts to reform the supervision of these entities were thwarted by the legislative maneuvering of those who emphatically denied there were problems.

2001

April: The Administration’s FY02 budget declares that the size of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is “a potential problem,” because “financial trouble of a large GSE could cause strong repercussions in financial markets, affecting Federally insured entities and economic activity.”

2002

May: The President calls for the disclosure and corporate governance principles contained in his 10-point plan for corporate responsibility to apply to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. (OMB Prompt Letter to OFHEO, 5/29/02)

2003

January: Freddie Mac announces it has to restate financial results for the previous three years.

February: The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) releases a report explaining that “although investors perceive an implicit Federal guarantee of [GSE] obligations,” “the government has provided no explicit legal backing for them.” As a consequence, unexpected problems at a GSE could immediately spread into financial sectors beyond the housing market. (“Systemic Risk: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Role of OFHEO,” OFHEO Report, 2/4/03).

September: Fannie Mae discloses SEC investigation and acknowledges OFHEO’s review found earnings manipulations.

September: Treasury Secretary John Snow testifies before the House Financial Services Committee to recommend that Congress enact “legislation to create a new Federal agency to regulate and supervise the financial activities of our housing-related government sponsored enterprises” and set prudent and appropriate minimum capital adequacy requirements.

October: Fannie Mae discloses $1.2 billion accounting error.

November: Council of the Economic Advisers (CEA) Chairman Greg Mankiw explains that any “legislation to reform GSE regulation should empower the new regulator with sufficient strength and credibility to reduce systemic risk.” To reduce the potential for systemic instability, the regulator would have “broad authority to set both risk-based and minimum capital standards” and “receivership powers necessary to wind down the affairs of a troubled GSE.” (N. Gregory Mankiw, Remarks At The Conference Of State Bank Supervisors State Banking Summit And Leadership, 11/6/03).

2004

February: The President’s FY05 Budget again highlights the risk posed by the explosive growth of the GSEs and their low levels of required capital, and called for creation of a new, world-class regulator: “The Administration has determined that the safety and soundness regulators of the housing GSEs lack sufficient power and stature to meet their responsibilities, and therefore…should be replaced with a new strengthened regulator.” (2005 Budget Analytic Perspectives, pg. 83)

February: CEA Chairman Mankiw cautions Congress to “not take [the financial market's] strength for granted.” Again, the call from the Administration was to reduce this risk by “ensuring that the housing GSEs are overseen by an effective regulator.” (N. Gregory Mankiw, Op-Ed, “Keeping Fannie And Freddie’s House In Order,” Financial Times, 2/24/04).

June: Deputy Secretary of Treasury Samuel Bodman spotlights the risk posed by the GSEs and called for reform, saying “We do not have a world-class system of supervision of the housing government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), even though the importance of the housing financial system that the GSEs serve demands the best in supervision to ensure the long-term vitality of that system. Therefore, the Administration has called for a new, first class, regulatory supervisor for the three housing GSEs: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banking System.” (Samuel Bodman, House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Testimony, 6/16/04).

2005

April: Treasury Secretary John Snow repeats his call for GSE reform, saying “Events that have transpired since I testified before this Committee in 2003 reinforce concerns over the systemic risks posed by the GSEs and further highlight the need for real GSE reform to ensure that our housing finance system remains a strong and vibrant source of funding for expanding homeownership opportunities in America… Half-measures will only exacerbate the risks to our financial system.” (Secretary John W. Snow, “Testimony Before The U.S. House Financial Services Committee,” 4/13/05).

2007

July: Two Bear Stearns hedge funds invested in mortgage securities collapse.

August: President Bush emphatically calls on Congress to pass a reform package for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, saying “first things first when it comes to those two institutions. Congress needs to get them reformed, get them streamlined, get them focused, and then I will consider other options.” (President George W. Bush, Press Conference, The White House, 8/9/07).

September: RealtyTrac announces foreclosure filings up 243,000 in August – up 115 percent from the year before.

September: Single-family existing home sales decreases 7.5 percent from the previous month – the lowest level in nine years. Median sale price of existing homes fell six percent from the year before.

December: President Bush again warns Congress of the need to pass legislation reforming GSEs, saying “These institutions provide liquidity in the mortgage market that benefits millions of homeowners, and it is vital they operate safely and operate soundly. So I’ve called on Congress to pass legislation that strengthens independent regulation of the GSEs – and ensures they focus on their important housing mission. The GSE reform bill passed by the House earlier this year is a good start. But the Senate has not acted. And the United States Senate needs to pass this legislation soon.” (President George W. Bush, Discusses Housing, The White House, 12/6/07).

2008

January: Bank of America announces it will buy Countrywide.

January: Citigroup announces mortgage portfolio lost $18.1 billion in value.

February: Assistant Secretary David Nason reiterates the urgency of reforms, says “A new regulatory structure for the housing GSEs is essential if these entities are to continue to perform their public mission successfully.” (David Nason, Testimony On Reforming GSE Regulation, Senate Committee On Banking, Housing And Urban Affairs, 2/7/08).

March: Bear Stearns announces it will sell itself to JPMorgan Chase.

March: President Bush calls on Congress to take action and “move forward with reforms on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They need to continue to modernize the FHA, as well as allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to homeowners to refinance their mortgages.” (President George W. Bush, Remarks To The Economic Club Of New York, New York, NY, 3/14/08).

April: President Bush urges Congress to pass the much needed legislation and “modernize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. [There are] constructive things Congress can do that will encourage the housing market to correct quickly by … helping people stay in their homes.” (President George W. Bush, Meeting With Cabinet, the White House, 4/14/08).

May: President Bush issues several pleas to Congress to pass legislation reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the situation deteriorates further.

• “Americans are concerned about making their mortgage payments and keeping their homes. Yet Congress has failed to pass legislation I have repeatedly requested to modernize the Federal Housing Administration that will help more families stay in their homes, reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure they focus on their housing mission, and allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to refinance sub-prime loans.” (President George W. Bush, Radio Address, 5/3/08).
• “[T]he government ought to be helping creditworthy people stay in their homes. And one way we can do that – and Congress is making progress on this – is the reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That reform will come with a strong, independent regulator.” (President George W. Bush, Meeting With The Secretary Of The Treasury, the White House, 5/19/08).
• “Congress needs to pass legislation to modernize the Federal Housing Administration, reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure they focus on their housing mission, and allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to refinance subprime loans.” (President George W. Bush, Radio Address, 5/31/08).

June: As foreclosure rates continued to rise in the first quarter, the President once again asks Congress to take the necessary measures to address this challenge, saying “we need to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.” (President George W. Bush, Remarks At Swearing In Ceremony For Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development, Washington, D.C., 6/6/08).

July: Congress heeds the President’s call for action and passes reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as it becomes clear that the institutions are failing.

According to Paulson, there were hardly any sub-prime loans made before 2002. All the nonsense which has been posted had nothing to do with these loans. Additionally, the Republican party controlled both the Senate and the House in 2002. They also controlled the White House. The buck stops where?

And who still works in Washington who knew about all this and did nothing to stop it?????

Hank Paulson is a Moron, You really need to find more sources. Try doing some real research. Republicans did control the house and senate, but it was not a filibuster proof Senate.

In 2005,

When Republican Richard Shelby of Alabama, then chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, pushed for comprehensive GSE reform in 2005, Democrat Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut successfully threatened a filibuster. Later, after Fannie and Freddie collapsed, Mr. Dodd asked, "Why weren't we doing more?" He then voted for the Bush reforms that he once called "ill-advised."

But Mr. Dodd wasn't the only Democrat to heap abuse on the Bush reforms. Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts defended Fannie and Freddie as "fundamentally sound" and labeled the president's proposals as "inane." He later voted for the reforms. Sen. Charles Schumer of New York dismissed Mr. Bush's "safety and soundness concerns" as "a straw man." "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," was the helpful advice of both Sen. Thomas Carper of Delaware and Rep. Maxine Waters of California. Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York berated a Bush official at a hearing, saying, "I am just pissed off" at the administration for raising the issue.

Democrats had ready allies among lenders accustomed to GSEs buying their risky mortgages. For example, Angelo Mozilo, CEO of Countrywide Financial, complained that "an overly cumbersome regulatory process" would "reduce, or even eliminate, the incentives for the GSEs and their primary market partners."

Talk about a convenient memory. Assuming it all was true, then why was the Bush administration completely caught off guard by the financial collapse in 2008? The reforms you were talking about had absolutely nothing to do with the sub-prime crisis.

JTM,

"Did any intelligent person think the recession would be over now and unemployment would be back at 5%?"

No, but I do remember Comrade Obama winning the presidency on his statement that unemployment would not surpass 8%. I bet you feel kinda foolish now, huh?

husker,

paulson actually said no subprime mortgages were made before 2002? wow, is he ever an a.z.z.wipe. i can take him to 2 banks in philadelphia and show him (now scanned) bank examiners writeups of failure to lend required amount to "cra-qualified borrowers" (read that exactly how it sounds). these comments were written back in the late 70s/early 80s during the biennial examination all federal institutions are subject to.

Do the math. Approx 15M out of work. 9.7% unemployment, only added 160,000 jobs. 1.5M is approx 1%, 160,000 is approx. 0.1%

So shouldn't the rate go down to 9.6%?

Not when you figure in the number of new people that entered the work force.

More Americans entered the work force last month, which prevented the increase in jobs from reducing the unemployment rate.

The next phychological barrier for us to break through will be the uptick in the unemployment rate for awhile as those who gave up looking for work see the job growth and then start looking again, hence raising the unemployment rate higher.

That situation is a good sign, but i am sure the GOP and Tea BaAggers will be in full force to say we are in a backslide. But today, along with positive revisioned Jan and Feb job numbers, is good news.

I have a request, please stop using the degrading term 'Teabagger.'

tim,

the only 'people' i see using the term teabagger are those who: are afraid of the federal government staying within it's Constitutionally-mandated limits, ie, 22 functions, who want the feds to become so expansive that they control every aspect of our life (see post 4.13), don't care about the loss of liberty and the encroachment of tyranny, don't care about the doubling of the national debt in 1 year, don't care about the long-term consequences of this regime's actions, and are content sucking at the teat of uncle sam.

those are the things the tea party are concerned about. what protesting those economic conditions has to do with your private acts of homosexuality, i have no idea. but it doesn't belong in political discourse. just shows the minimal level of vocabulary you have.

McPeter

And in sept. 2008. When bush and McCain said the economy is fine, who was lying? Oh that’s right, per fox news. Bush didn’t lie, he was misinformed.

Obama is using the same calculations that have been used by every president for the last 20 years. So it's ok for Bush but not for Obama?

I believe that the way we calculate unemployment needs to be changed but I'd be surprised if it is done with this administration - they would be accused of cooking the books.

Also, if there was a change you couldn't do the comparisons we "rely" on.

We lost 448,000 jobs but created 23,000 jobs. Only Obama could spin this as a positive.

Snowcone Rocketships, don't forget the lotion.

Government cannot create jobs. However, it can get out of the way and allow the private sector to grow which will create productive jobs.

JTM------ You're right he can't help.

He can hurt, apparently everything he has in mind will harm business in this country.

I just gotta laugh.

At every turn, you dog the President for not creating jobs and then you turn around when Jobs are being created and say that he has nothing to do with it so no credit.

Your denial is loud and clear. See ya next month to see why the next job gains will somehow be 'bogus'.

Meanwhile, speaking of no credit, the GOP has no positive agenda or solutions...or even willingness to cooperate for the rest of 2010.

I agree. Much of the job growth wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the trillions in stimulus. Solving debt with more debt?

The stimulus is like trying to cure a hangover by drinking more. What we really need is to get the hangover over with, then we'll get better in my opinion.

You are correct... just more crap from Obama.

ron......thank you for your post. We have a new rule here, however. If you disparage TEA Party members by calling them "tea baggers", you must have an IQ higher than an actual tea bag. Sorry, you will not be permitted to post again.

Thanks again, MSNBC

Sorry Jeannie, these hateful, angry people are TEABAGGERS TO ME TOO. And judging by their actions, they are also EVIL. There is a simple solution to their identity crisis. Tell them to stop spitting, shouting, threatning and generally acting like a MOB!

Then and only then, will they be welcomed back into civilization. Maybe YOU should stop trying to force others to accept their beligerant behavior as normal, and convince THEM to behave in a more cilvilized manner, until them TEABAGGERS is quite appropriate description of them.

I really dislike that term 'teabagger.' Like that poster showing Obama as the Joker. Let's have some respect and try to come up with something more original.

Ron,

Nice rant

Another ranting Tea Bagger. It's become a bagde of honor.

MSNBC you need to get your lips off the Obama flute we know he's socialist pied piper but you need to stop blowing Obama so hard.

Christina Romer, she looks like Aunt Bee from Mayberry. So we added 160,000 jobs that is the biggest lie. We lost 448,000 jobs but add 168,000 jobs. Gub'mint crackheads. America is a drug addicted crackhead and MSNBC is our pusher, dealer and Obamie is the Narco Terrorist.

How can anybody claim we created jobs when the net loss is 300,000 jobs, we are so screwed. Oh by the way, once you take out the temporary jobs, temporary census worker jobs and the Gub"mint job the economy only create 27,000 jobs but lost 300,000 jobs. I'll put this in it's simplest form, we lost 10 jobs and created 1. Yeaaah. For the job market to be flat, meaning, creating as many jobs as we are losing we needed to create 330,000 private sector jobs every GD month.

AS RECOVERY BUILDS, what the blanketie blank.

Our President is GD Socailist Crackhead. Crack is not Hope and Change, Jesus Christ.

ldj,

funny...there are no video's of tea party people doing any of what you describe. however, there is plenty of video showing seiuacorn types attacking handicapped people in wheelchairs, maiming someone another, generally attacking protestors and calling minority tea party individuals the infamous n-word.

all that, for wanting the federal government to stay within it's 22 functions allowed by the Constitution. has nothing to with race or any other factor. it's about the size of the gov't and out of control spending.

btw, the tea party was started by rick santelli, of cnbc, on the floor of one of the chicago exchanges. his 'speech' just galvanized what was already occurring in the blogosphere.

it's amazing how free speech is ok, as long it agrees with the amerikan left. but when it opposes the amerikan left, all hell breaks loose.

and get ourselves some new bums. whoohoo. nothing but the names have changed.

JTM

If we start firing them on a regular basis, they will start listening to us,but I doubt it will happen. People just keep sending the same idiots back expecting different results.

agreed. thus my disillusionment.

The part about the figures being fixed I totally agree with. I just don't believe that many jobs have been created/offered/filled. Sorry. The other stuff you are saying...no comment.

You republicans are not very optimistic. You folks are so delusional that even good news sounds bad to you. If it isn't reported by Faux News or one of the republican minions (Palin, Limbaugh, Beck or Coulter) then it must be a lie. You folks are nuts!!

Oh you little cry babies. Sounds like someone needs their diaper changed. Get a life people. Your doomsday babble is starting to sound old and tired. Just like a broken record. Give it a rest.