Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Stock Market Up Economy Down


The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit an all-time high today cresting over the previous high in 2007. Are you better off today than in 2007? Here are a few comparisons:
  • Consumer Confidence: 2007: 99.5; Today: 69.6 (just up from 58)
  • GDP Growth – 2007: 2.5%; Today: 1.6% 
  • Gas Prices – 2007: $2.75; Today: $3.75
  • Unemployed – 2007: 6.7 million; Today: 13.2 million
  • Unemployment Rate – 2007: 5%; Today: 8.1%
  • Labor Force Participation Rate – 2007: 66%; Today: 63.6%
  • Federal Reserve Balance Sheet – 2007: $890 billion; Today: $3 TRILLION
  • Number of people on food stamps – 2007: 26 million; Today: 47.5 million
  • US Annual Deficit – 2007: $160 billion; Today: $1.2 TRILLION
  • US National Debt – 2007: $8.9 trillion; Today: $16.6 TRILLION
Make no mistake, our national leaders are either grossly incompetent and economic ignoramuses or they are purposely leading this country down a road of less freedom and bankruptcy.