Where's this celebrated economic recovery?

Here we go again, hearing lip service by the administration, telling us how things are getting so much better. The economy is getting better, the jobless numbers are going down, all is well.

Right?

Wrong. 

With the most recent jobless numbers out, we are now at 9.8 percent. How is that right? The administration claims all is getting better.

My husband has been looking for work now for over 16 months, with no real success. We can't pay our bills, but they still keep on coming regardless of whether or not there is any money coming in. I've had some interviews but no offers. My husband is a disabled, retired service member and even though he is supposed to get some preferential treatment, no job yet.

We aren't sure what the issue is. He has changed his resume in order to make it more effective depending on what kind of position he is applying for. What exactly does it take to get a job in this “improving” economy?

We have all of our bills paid for this month, which is great. Just no groceries, no birthday present for our youngest child, and Christmas isn't possible this year. We are decorating the house, going through the motions, but there will be nothing under the tree. This is the absolute worst that we have ever seen.

Navy retirement/VA disability pay isn't enough to take care of all expenses for a month. This is the last Christmas all of my younger kids are going to be home together, and we were so hoping it would be a good Christmas for them. One son has joined the Marine Corps, the other is going Army, and then we have one last child in school.

So much for hopes and plans. 

Susan McCracken

Vernon Hills