High Jobless Rates Could be 'New Normal'

WASHINGTON — Even with an economic revival, many U.S. jobs lost during the recession may be gone forever and a weak employment market could linger for years. That could add up to a "new normal" of higher joblessness and lower standards of living for many Americans, some economists are suggesting.

Wow. Freakin' brilliant strategy! Call high unemployment and a decline in the standard of living the 'new normal' and Viola! Instant economic recovery! All is right with the world. I'm so glad the White House and congress 'solved' this problem with the Stimulus bill earlier this year- I mean, that was $787 Billion well spent. Who knows....? Without it, the national unempoyment rate might actually soar past 8%! I can rest easy now.