Your Say: Jobless rate stirs skepticism, satisfaction

Letters to the editor:

The numbers showing lower unemployment in September were compiled by professionals, not political appointees, USA TODAY's editorial states ("Lower unemployment rate inspires conspiracy theorists," Election politics debate, Monday). What difference does that make? Everybody, whether he or she is a doctor, a scientist or a teacher has a bias of some sort. Tell me the names of these so-called professionals who conducted the unemployment rates for September. How did they vote in the last election? You can call it conspiracy theories or whatever you want. But I would like proof that these professionals were non-partisan.

By the way, that so-called unemployment rate of 7.8% is really making the millions of Americans either unemployed or underemployed really happy, huh?

Tom R. Kovach; Nevis, Minn.

As Americans, we have all experienced some hard times over the past four-and-a-half years. That is our shared reality. However, I am truly disgusted with those who denigrate any good or hopeful news for this nation. It is one thing to have a partisan divide. It is quite another to be a cheerleader for failure and pain for U.S. citizens. Some of the sniping crosses the line. America needs people who believe in hope and progress. Those who refuse to acknowledge that need are not patriots. The failure to respect success is a sad commentary of those who need failure to succeed.

Margot LeRoy; Gig Harbor, Wash.

Your article "Confusing job surveys hint at growth" failed to mention that two-thirds of the jobs created in September were part-time jobs (Money, Monday). For how many out-of-work Americans is the goal a part-time job?

Tom Fryman; Fairfield, Conn.

Comments from Facebook:

Why do people choose not to believe the employment numbers? Because they do not like them? I wish the statistics were lower, but the Department of Labor has been using the same methods for years. Seems to me that as an American, you would want to be happy they are going down.

Patrick Martin-Vegue

So what if the the numbers are cooked? It still doesn't take away from the fact that we need jobs. Stop defending parties and start promoting job growth.

Bobby Haynes

A lower published rate will do nothing to convince those, or their friends and family, who are out of work that things are getting better.

Edmund Purcell

The fact remains the same: 7.8% is not a good number.

Jack Briss