The President and his economic soothsayers all say the economy is moving on up. A 7.2 percent growth rate for the third quarter was just announced. That's the highest increase for one quarter since midway through the Reagan administration. No wonder George W. Bush is happy.

But is it a blastoff or just a bounce? Will the summer sizzle turn to fall fizzle? Do people really appreciate "economic growth" if they are still worried about their jobs?

With unemployment still at 6.1 percent nationally, Treasury Secretary John Snow was careful not to pop too many buttons when he announced the economic upswing on Thursday. The administration "has more work to do" on creating jobs, he said.

This President is well aware that economic security makes for contented voters. He watched his father's presidency disappear under the opposition's relentless chant of: "It's the economy, stupid."

Growth is good and sooner or later the lagging job market will be pulled along by the prosperity. But just how good you feel about this trend probably depends on whether you see yourself being closer to "sooner" or "later."

We'd like to hear your take on all these numbers. The economy is up, are you? Send us your thoughts on the realities and forecasts of the economy to The Economy, Editorial Page, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. E-mail to letters@enquirer.com; fax to 513-768-8610. We'll include a selection of responses in next week's Forum.