"fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes." - I got news for ya, "government supported" growth isn't growth. It's the opposite of growth. That's like saying "I couldn't make my mortgage for the last 3 months, but this month I took out a cash advance on my credit card to pay the bills. Problem solved."

The only places where I see growth is the Public sector and welfare. Those that work in the private sector are getting nailed with taxes, fees, price increases, or being laid off. There is no competition for labor. It is almost impossible for someone working in the private sector to find something better. Companies know this and that is why they are nailing workers while top management makes big bucks. The government needs to do things to make it worth while for companies to create private sector jobs here. Get rid of the fair trade agreements and increase tariffs. Let’s become energy independent and build all we need and consume here. That will make America great again.

..........that would be smoke AND mirrors...............

Nothing more than smoking mirrors. There may be positive signs of increases in certain areas but we are FAR from and end to recession. Thousands still unemployed, jobs scarce, gas, energy costs, grocery, taxes, health costs are continuing to rise while either the jobs aren't there OR the workers aren't receiving increases in their paychecks to offset the cost of everyday living and necessities. Stop trying to get us to believe that everything is going to be okay soon, because it's not until we get good manufacturing jobs back here in the USA. Unfortunately, I really don't think that the majority of people don't realize how much trouble the USA is in.