Article Review #7

Diana Furchtgott-Roth and the Actual unemployment rate being 11.4% rather than 6.2%
The article focuses on how the work force has declined recently. The creation of jobs in March were half of what was predicted(126,000) , but would somehow get 'revised' to be much greater than that. (200,000) Although there was some steady but slow economic growth, the trend has been heading completely down. Participation rates have been decreasing, little but still decreasing. The labor force from last year was 62.9% compared to the year 2006 when the rate was 66.2% a gap of 8.2 million Americans! Participation from older workers last year was higher than 2006, meaning more elderly keeping jobs! Now 3 million men,who are middle age, are subtracted from the workforce of today. Women have 2.5 million fewer women in the workforce. 800,000 fewer younger workers, 400,000 fewer teens! There was a small increase in those who are getting an education from 56-57%. Due to all the benefits given by the government it is much easier to not work and gain benefits than to work and not gain the same amount, including food stamps, healthcare, disability benefits, etc. The author states "fewer Americans working, slower GDP growth, and more pressure on the federal deficit and entitlement programs". The author also states how it is better for each state to chose those indicated for the benefits rather than just in general. Americans who have left the labor force during the recession show no signs of returning. This was driving me insane since so many numbers have to be refined in order to look "pretty", not only that but due to long term workers,who are pretty old, other people are not able to join the work force thus not providing for future growth. All other workers in different groups are declining although only 1% increasement for the people in school happened. It's so insane!! Nowadays it is seen to be "better" to not work and receive benefits instead of not receiving them and working for 'nothing'. Not only do the numbers in the work force decrease, GDP growth is slower, and there is so much pressure on the government programs. This is insane!