Let's take a look at Jobs Saved and Lost since this administration has taken over. It's not hard. Here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Obtain the Unemployment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statics for February 2009. This administrations first full month. Here's the link to check out the numbers for yourself.
The Number You get for Step 1 is:
12,467,000 people unemployed.Also note just two lines below the Unemployment number that there are 80,699,000 people that are listed as Not in the Labor Force (NILF). What is the definition of NILF? Here it is from the BLS.
STEP 2: Obtain the Unemployment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statics for the most current month - in this case May 2010. Here's the link to check out the numbers for yourself.
The Step 2 Number is: 14,973,000 people unemployed.
Also note that the number of people Not in the Labor Force is 83,107,000. The NILF number over time, in this case 16 months, shows that 2,408,000 MORE people have "given up" looking for a job. As a result, these people don't show up in the unemployment number listed above.
Aren't these people out of work too? According the government's "Unemployment Rate" they aren't. Why? Because they either aren't seeking unemployment benefits or their benefits have run out and aren't looking for work so they no longer are considered unemployed. This statistical sleight of hand is nothing new to this administration but easily explains why you see the unemployment rate go down even when more people become unemployed.
So when you ask yourself 'when more people become unemployed shouldn't the unemployment rate go up?' The answer is: Not when even more people have given up looking for work than become unemployed and apply for unemployment benefits.
OK, Step 3...let's do a little math.
We now have the "Jobs Lost" number: 4,914,000
How many jobs did the Obama Administration Create? Well, as far as I can see...none.
As for the Jobs Saved? Add whatever fallacious numbers you wish. They really aren't relevant anyway.
