Reply #1: But the gubermint tells us a different story even when they manipulate the numbers.

[fasttense]

From the BLS (Boldly Lying Statistics):

"Regional and state unemployment rates were generally higher in
December. 43 states and the District of Columbia recorded
over-the-month unemployment rate increases, 4 states registered
rate decreases, and 3 states had no rate change, the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the year, jobless rates
increased in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

In December, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 11 states and
the District of Columbia and decreased in 39 states."