Maybe this should be in politics, but I bet I get an answer anyway. How is the unemployment rate figured?
Generally, as I understand it, from the number of people drawing unemployment from the government. The problem with that formula is that it does NOT count people who are not receiving the payments or who have taken part time jobs to 'fill in'.
Thus, while the REPORTED unemployment rate in the US is 9.8%, the actual number of people who are unemployed or have taken part time jobs at way less than they need is ACTUALLY closer to 17 or 18%.
Sad, ain't it? In order to prevent public panic, the govt reports figures that are 'adjusted'... allbeit not real. Just like they report jobs that are created or 'saved'... and even then get caught misstating the real numbers.
Quote from: Patriot on November 06, 2009, 10:59:31 AM
Sad, ain't it? In order to prevent public panic, the govt reports figures that are 'adjusted'... allbeit not real. Just like they report jobs that are created or 'saved'... and even then get caught misstating the real numbers.
Hmm sounds lik chicago style politics, cooking the books and all.
Actually, this is another area the Fed's should not be.
Gee... just when The Chicago Thugs said things were gettin better: New Unemployment rate: 10.2%
That kind of accounting has gone on forever, its sure not new.
Yes, this belongs in politics.
Yes the number is not an accurate representation of the actualy unemployment rate.
Yes, this is the same method that has been used for 40+ years to calculate the rate
Yes, the term "chicago style politics" is overused, meaningless, and has nothing to do with the unemployment rate.
Quote from: Anmar on November 06, 2009, 12:35:54 PM
Yes, this belongs in politics.
Yes the number is not an accurate representation of the actualy unemployment rate.
Yes, this is the same method that has been used for 40+ years to calculate the rate
Yes, the term "chicago style politics" is overused, meaningless, and has nothing to do with the unemployment rate.
Oh sorry well lets quit beating aroudn the bush. The reported rate is nothing more than male bovine excrement! Its cooked up, pulled out of the air to hide the fact that the administrations policies are failed. Why else would they hide the true rate of unemployment.
I agree, but every administration has done it. Thats why i laugh when someone complains that Obama has lied. It's dumb. Show me a president that hasn't lied in the last 80 years. He's not doing anything that any other president hasn't done already. When it comes to lying, Nearly every political partisan on both sides is doing it quite frequently. Look at the healthcare debate.
Quote from: Anmar on November 06, 2009, 01:03:26 PM
I agree, but every administration has done it. Thats why i laugh when someone complains that Obama has lied. It's dumb. Show me a president that hasn't lied in the last 80 years. He's not doing anything that any other president hasn't done already. When it comes to lying, Nearly every political partisan on both sides is doing it quite frequently. Look at the healthcare debate.
Just cuz bobby peed in the water fountain last year doesn't mean we can't call johnny on it this week.
Next question: The Elk County unemployment rate is the highest in the state. Are these unemployed people living in Elk County because they are unemployed or are they unemployed because they are living in Elk County?
Quote from: Wilma on November 06, 2009, 01:12:39 PM
Next question: The Elk County unemployment rate is the highest in the state. Are these unemployed people living in Elk County because they are unemployed or are they unemployed because they are living in Elk County?
Now that's a darned fine question! Could it be that geographical economics are limiting our choices of where to live? Could it be that government largess, expansion and mismanagement are imposing limiting factors on our some of our freedoms?
Personally, I doubt that people become unemployed and choose to move to Elk County. At least I hope not.
Quote from: Wilma on November 06, 2009, 01:12:39 PM
Next question: The Elk County unemployment rate is the highest in the state. Are these unemployed people living in Elk County because they are unemployed or are they unemployed because they are living in Elk County?
Looks like a little of both. A friend talked to a bondsman today and he said that most of the folks he's making bail for is shoplifting groceries. The economy is bad and getting worse.
Actually what I am pointing out is that the unemployment rate is not an accurate measure of our economy. Too much is left out. The rate might be so high in Elk county because the unemployed comes home where it is easier to live while the unemployed who are already living here are staying here. Besides there are the people for whom unemployment has run out and they are still unemployed. How are they counted? I don't know how the rate could be better figured, but I know that it is not accurate. So I am just going to disregard it as far as deciding how well off an area is. I would say that the high unemployment rate reported in Elk County only means that it is nice place to be when you are having problems.
Quote from: Wilma on November 06, 2009, 01:37:10 PM
Actually what I am pointing out is that the unemployment rate is not an accurate measure of our economy. Too much is left out. The rate might be so high in Elk county because the unemployed comes home where it is easier to live while the unemployed who are already living here are staying here. Besides there are the people for whom unemployment has run out and they are still unemployed. How are they counted? I don't know how the rate could be better figured, but I know that it is not accurate. So I am just going to disregard it as far as deciding how well off an area is. I would say that the high unemployment rate reported in Elk County only means that it is nice place to be when you are having problems.
Wow.