1.  Why isn't the drop in the August unemployment rate good news?

 

2.  a) What correction to the number of jobs created in June and July did the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveal in its latest jobs report released Friday? 

b)  How was this mistake made?

 

3.  What discouraging news was also included in Friday's report regarding hourly pay, manufacturing jobs and the number of people currently in the workforce?

 

4.  List the following statistics which were provided in the latest jobs report released Friday:

-number of months straight in which unemployment has exceeded 8%

-the percent of the adult population that is either working or looking for work

-number of private sector jobs created in the past 2 1/2 years

 

5.  How might Friday's jobs report possibly affect the presidential election? Be specific.

 

6.  a) During his acceptance speech at the Democratic convention on Thursday, how did President Obama explain the continued slow growth in jobs during his first four years in office?

b)  Ask a parent how important the economy will be to him/her in this election and to explain his/her answer.