[A. Pole]

The unemployment rate, a lagging indicator, is 6.2%. Do you realize the rest of the world, including Europe, would love to have 6.2% unemployment right now?

You need to remember that unemployment rate is counted differently in different countries. Also the safety net in Europe is different.

Comparing unemployment rate in US with that of France or Sweden is like comparing federal income tax with the total tax in those other countries. Makes you feel good.

[Texas_Dawg]

You need to remember that unemployment rate is counted differently in different countries. Also the safety net in Europe is different.

Different meaning better?

[Cronos]

Well, France and Germany have 10% unemployment and Poland has 20%

[LibertyAndJusticeForAll]

Yes, and being unemployed in Europe means you still have good health care and other services. Being unemployed in a socialist or communist country is a way of life. It is one of the anticipated problems to their political systems.
In America, being unemployed for any length of time is devastating to a family and a community. We don't have the long list of "freebies" that socialist countries have, nor are we taxed to support them. High employment is vital to our way of life.