I immediately knew that the jobs creation report for May must have been good news for President Joe Biden because, when I turned on Fox News, they virtually ignored the positive results. Added jobs reached 272,000 that month, far more than most analysts had expected.

I do not need to view a jobs report, because, as a retiree, I am witness to a phenomenon every morning that serves as an indicator: Like clockwork, my neighborhood empties out. The single people, those with young families, and middle-aged (younger than me) neighbors all exit their houses and go somewhere. Where? Nearly are all working!

So, as a senior citizen I get somewhat confused when I turn on Fox News and listen to them say how bad the economy is, then wonder: Where do these Fox commentators live?

I know my neighbors are getting paychecks. I see them buying things. I see the kids with new gadgets and I ask myself, “Is this a bad economy?” Prices are higher than I would like, but everyone who is working is still buying things. I even read that their pay has increased. They are going out to dinner, taking vacations and doing home improvements. People have the confidence to spend. Not long go, it was not like that at all. Things were bad, real bad. I noticed my neighbors were sadder, more unsure, maybe even a little scared. Not now!

So, I am going to judge the economy from my retirement porch and not Fox News. I am happy to say that the daily morning exodus is once again occurring, and the sound of silence is prevalent.

The silence ends every day when everyone comes home from their jobs. THAT is a great thing!

Michael J. Makara, Mays Landing

Is economy humming if people sing unhappy tune?

President Joe Biden and his diehard supporters brag about how things are going economically.

But this might not matter because we can’t be happy about any economic upswings when we aren’t happy in general. Now, more than ever before, I see more road rage, online arguments, and angry political rallies and marches.

While the American Civil Liberties Union fights to ban prison solitary confinement because of the mental torment sustained by inmates who experienced it for a prolonged period, I have heard nobody question what social isolation has done to the rest of us.

Could it be that the man we flip off in traffic, the woman we call a “b——” on Facebook, and various angry political gatherings that seem to support terrorist organizations are ways for Americans to communicate their frustrations with one another? Or simply not be alone?

When you’re upset, the last thing you want to see are people who are happy.

Technically, Team Biden is correct about an improved economy. However, with the overall mood of the country being miserable, November’s presidential election might be won by whichever candidate can echo a sense of negativity and misery.

And, that’s not who Joe Biden is.

Evan Grollman, Camden

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