“The (the broad-based Household Survey) measure plunged 495,000 in April after dropping 418,000 in March. The calculation represented the largest back-to-back decline since late 2009. At 63.6%, America’s labor force hit its lowest level since September 1981. Since then, population totals grew from 229 million to about 312 million today. The state of the nation today reflects lots of people facing few jobs, and no policy to create them.”

“Independent observers knew it long ago. Today’s global economic crisis provides added confirmation. In 2008, a staunch champion of the system expressed second thoughts. More on him below.

“An ideology based on inequality, injustice, exploitation, militarism, and imperial wars eventually self-destructs or gets pushed.

“Growing evidence in America and Europe show systemic unaddressed problems too grave to ignore. They remain so despite millions without jobs, savings, homes or futures.

“Imagine nations governed by leaders letting crisis conditions fester. Imagine voters reelecting them despite demanding change. OWS aside, one day perhaps rage will replace apathy in America. The latest jobs report alone provides incentive enough to try and then some.

“On May 4, the Labor Department reported 115,000 new jobs. It way overstated the true number. Official figures belie the dire state of things. At most, two-thirds the headline total were created. Even that’s in doubt.

“Most were low-pay, part-time, or temp positions with few or no benefits. Decades ago, workers would have avoided them. Today, there’s no choice.

“The report also showed economic decline. Expect much worse ahead. In 2008, Main Street Americans experienced Depression. It rages today. Poverty’s at record levels. Real unemployment approaches 1930s numbers. Dire conditions are worsening.

“Announced job cuts are increasing. Hiring plans are down. Compared to year ago levels, they’re off 80%. Income is stagnant for those lucky to have work. The private diffusion index measuring growth fell sharply month-over-month.

“The unemployment rate decline reflects discouraged workers dropping out. They want jobs but can’t find them. The Labor Department considers them non-persons. They’re not counted to make official figures look better.

“Moreover, the broad based Household Survey showed employment dropping 169,000. It was the second consecutive monthly decline. The Labor Department uses a “population and payroll concept adjusted” calculation. Doing so tries to compare monthly payroll and household figures.

“The measure plunged 495,000 in April after dropping 418,000 in March. The calculation represented the largest back-to-back decline since late 2009.

“At 63.6%, America’s labor force hit its lowest level since September 1981. Since then, population totals grew from 229 million to about 312 million today. The state of the nation today reflects lots of people facing few jobs, and no policy to create them.

“The employment/population ratio stands at 58.4%. Alone, it represents a shocking testimony to failure. So do other data. Long-term unemployment remains near record levels. Credit deleveraging continues. Housing’s in its worst ever depression. Prices keep falling. Inventories of unsold homes are huge. Foreclosures are at epidemic levels.

“State and local downsizing continues. Personal income suffers. Conditions are bad and worsening.

“On May 4, Pimco’s Mohamed El-Erian headlined his Financial Times article ‘Confirmed: America’s jobs crisis,’ saying:  ‘Friday’s US jobs data sound a warning that should be heard well beyond economists and market watchers.’

“Americans with jobs have poor ones. Wage growth is stagnant. Purchasing power can’t keep up with inflation. For ordinary Americans, secular income headwinds blow at gale force strength.

“Crisis conditions today make ‘a mockery of the published unemployment rate of 8.1 per cent … The economic implications are clear.’ At a time, Europe’s recession deepens, America’s declining. To continue reading this opinion column at Global Research, click here.