Brian Mudd will no doubt pick this apart, but hey I'm just saying. I think there's a big difference when we say many people are still hurting and the overall economy hurting. I understand and sympathize with those who've lost their jobs. I'm heartbroken for those still out of work, underemployed or making much less than they did in the job they had before they lost it. I know millions of people are still hurting.

I know we have a huge deficit and I know GDP is not where we want it. But let's take a look to the streets when we talk about the economy. Although many are still suffering, the everyday economy looks better than it's portrayed, at least to me.

Yesterday I went to a shopping mall and it was loaded with people. Then I met a friend at a restaurant for lunch and the place was packed. I saw the numbers yesterday that said housing starts are up 15% and building permits up nearly 12%.

There's also a study conducted by BIGinsight for the National Retail Federation that says holiday shoppers will spend an average of $749.51 this year, up from last year. So I'm seeing evidence of people out spending money and other signs that tell me segments of the economy are doing quite well.

But again, I feel for the people who are still hurting and need a job to get back on their feet. We do need to work on that at a fever's pace.