[tomjohn77]

Its not more confusing than the american statistics. Who really know how many people are out of work in the US. When people have been unemployed for more than a year the disappear from statistics. Also how many millions are not registrated living in the US? Its easy to increase GDP when you run hugh deficits. Most money goes to military equipment and not to the average American. From 1975 almost all the economic gains have been "given" the top 20% of the population. I know German runs deficits too, but most of this trouble comes from the problems with former East Germany. Before the unification West Germany was doing really good.
I would say the US has hughs problems too. Atleast compare to Norway that runs hugh trade surpluses and bugdet surpluses.

[RWR8189]

When people have been unemployed for more than a year the disappear from statistics

Not really.  As long as you continue to search for work you are still counted as unemployed by the BLS.

Even then, there are still alternate measures of unemployment available here.

[walden]

"From 1975 almost all the economic gains have been "given" the top 20% of the population."

You mean gains in income? I have a hard time believing this, judging from the lifestyle enhancements of everyone else-- larger homes, more, and more expensive cars, etc.. Additionally, given income mobility in this country, almost none of the people who were low-income in 1975 are still in that category.

[wideawake]

Its easy to increase GDP when you run hugh deficits.

Are you series?

[wideawake]

Atleast compare to Norway that runs hugh trade surpluses and bugdet surpluses.

Norway has a population of 4.5 million people, smaller than several US cities.

Also, tax money spent on defense goes to every American, genius.

National defense is in everyone's interest.

Also, economic gains over the past 30 years have not "been given" to the "top 20%" - that's Democratic propaganda. The average income of almost all Americans has increased substantially over the past 30 years.

You should know better than to post Democrat talking points on FR.

[chudogg]

I see you don't have the slightest clue about America, how unemployment is calculated, and how the economy operates. With your media, i don't necessarily blame you, but you did come to Free Republic. My advice to you is spend a little more of your time here.