The average rate of unemployment during the great depression was 17% for over a decade. The highest point was 25%. Using the same methodology as during the great depression our present unemployment rate is 23%. We have also been over 17% for the last 2-1/2 years.
We are now 2-1/2 years into a depression. Our "real" unemployment rate of 23% is only 2% below the highest level during the great depression. The real rate of unemployment is increasing and is not decreasing. The policies of FDR prolonged the Great Depression. The policies of Obama are quite similar and also will prolong this current depression.
If those policies continue this will become the SECOND GREAT DEPRESSION.