Recent past recessions are different from this one in one important aspect:

( From The Economic Policy Institute on public-sector job growth during recent American recessions.)

In each of the three previous recent recessions of 1981, 1990 and 2001, the number of public-sector
jobs increased during the darkest days. Now, first of all: hey, isn't it interesting that our three recent
recessions started under Republican presidents? Huh.

At any rate, the chart shows you that in all those bleak periods, while the private sector was draining
jobs, the public sector was gaining jobs. By about 1 percent in the 2001 recession, by 3 percent in the
1990 one, and by more than 3 percent in the 1981 one. Yes, as is often the case, Ronald Reagan was
the most socialistic of the lot.

Why did this happen, even though the economy was contracting? Because the government kept
spending money. You can "blame" the Democratic congresses that were in place if you want to, but
there's no blame to be spread. This was a good thing. People were working and spending money. The
increase in public payrolls was helping to offset the contraction of private ones.



Warning:
This post is intended for open minded Republicans (and endangered species), Independents and Democrats.
Actual Conservatives who read these facts will burst into flame when confronted with these truths.  

Quoted Text

Why did this happen, even though the economy was contracting? Because the government kept
spending money. You can "blame" the Democratic congresses that were in place if you want to, but
there's no blame to be spread. This was a good thing. People were working and spending money. The
increase in public payrolls was helping to offset the contraction of private ones.

here comes an open minded soul searching answer/question:

because folks became complacent and satiated....the kings forest became acceptable?

Quoted from Box A Rox

. Now, first of all: hey, isn't it interesting that our three recent
recessions started under Republican presidents? Huh.

Isn't it interesting that two of our three recent recessions came immediately after we had the biggest liberal Democrats in the White House (and by the way, Daddy Bush wasn't exactly a staunch conservative by any means).