What will be your signal that the recession is over?
Some economists are saying — perhaps with a touch of irony — that the recession is over. The U.S. economy grew in the past quarter by 3.5 percent, the first expansion of the gross domestic product in more than a year. In fact, it was stronger than the 3.3 percent growth rate economists had predicted.
“We’re beginning to crawl out a very deep hole,” said economist Ken Mayland, president of ClearView Economics. “It will take time to get back to normal again and there are questions about how consumers will hold up in the months ahead. But I think the recovery will be sustained.”
So, they say, that’s the early sign that the recession is over. Still, the local unemployment rate was 10.2 percent last month. Millions across the country are still out of work. And economists are predicting that even if we’re in recovery, it will be a so-called “jobless recovery.”
I heard in a report on the radio this morning that economists expect the economy to limp back through next year.
So if one quarter of GDP growth signifies the beginning of the end for economists, what’s your benchmark? When will you know that the recession is over?
Kurt is the director of social media for the Post-Dispatch, where he has worked since August 2002. He's been a journalist since 1982, covering municipal government, courts, education and two hurricanes as a reporter before becoming an editor. 
When I quit reading daily stories about how many people are laid off from this or that company. Even your so-called experts say job recovery is not forthcoming for a long time yet to come.
When the Fed government balances the budget and actually starts paying down the trillions in national debt.
When there are jobs available to the thousands of people laid off.
When the president gives back the cost of living raise to the elderly and disable.
When I learn to spend within my means and reduce unnecessary expenses till income and expenses are more balanced
When I can go back to work at a decent wage. In all the months I’ve been searching I’ve noticed companies wanting highly qualified employees with experience, but they do not want to pay for what they are asking. I understand companies are hurting as well, but in my opinion they are taking advantage. Who wants to spend more on gas getting to work than they are making? I don’t know anyone that can afford to make less than they spend to work. If we aren’t making a little extra, how can we spend to support the economy so it can grow?
When our wage freeze is over. Everything around us is increasing in price, except our salaries. Going on 2 years without even a cost of living increase (although the cost of living has increased - especially health insurance!) when I get a raise I will consider the recession over.
When the Democrat leadership in Congress is hanging from a gibbet.
When the wage freeze is lifted at my place of employment. Last year, annual merit increases were eliminated plus I was given a “promotion” with more responsibilities and no more pay. But, at least I am still working, so can’t really complain.
When we get this bozo out of office and we get more people working, and people can earn an income that meets their needs. He is trying to socialize everything and this lead to this mess since he took office. Getting him and his cronies out will be a first step. We know from history this approach will not work. we will suffer more while he is in office. Its going to be a long ride until he and his policies are not depressing this nation. Maybe a new person might be better, but for now we are stuck with it.