National economic indicators these days are positive, but have the jobs and prosperity reached the local level? We asked readers. Here are some of their responses.

What was growth like in Cincinnati?

Is the economy that good? Or are we being lulled into a false sense of euphoria? For me, this year has not been good for finding employment. I started sending out resumes and working with recruiters in January with the hope that once I earned my master's degree in May, I would be able to start a new job in June, July at the latest.

Unfortunately, I've had to pare my salary expectations, and I've taken a part-time job. It's difficult to stay optimistic, especially when Hamilton County has lost 20,500 jobs over the past two years. I would like to take stock in the 7.2 percent national growth numbers for last quarter, but I am skeptical. What was Cincinnati's growth rate for last quarter? This is a number I could more readily relate to. I understand the employment numbers are a lagging indicator of economic vitality. I just hope that for my sake, the lag isn't too far behind.

Steve Boone, Deerfield Township

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Economy based on spending, debt

People seem pretty happy about reports that consumer spending is way up and, in response, production has increased. Despite the record deficit he has created, President Bush's tax cuts have fueled a popularity surge for him.

I decided to try the same sort of economic policy at home. I emptied out my teenage daughter's college fund and gave it to her to do whatever she wanted.

The latest reports show that spending has increased dramatically at the mall. My popularity has soared. I have been elected Dad for another four years. At that point, my daughter will be 18 and independent.

Then she can borrow her college tuition and be forced to spend a large percentage of her future earnings trying to pay it back, rather than saving for a house or retirement. But, hey - not my problem - my term as Dad will be done.

Thanks for your inspired leadership, President Bush.

John Bunyan, Blue Ash

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Bush has misled us, ransacked the nation

The recent publicity campaign generated to make it look as though President Bush is concerned about the American economy is completely false and misleading.

As the economy continues its downhill slide, Bush lies to the American people about the true nature of this so-called economic recovery. The truth is, since Bush has taken office, millions of Americans have lost their jobs and those lucky enough to keep their jobs have had to endure a deteriorating work environment - mandatory unpaid overtime, the loss of benefits and vacation time, reductions in salary, and an agenda to wipe out the few remaining unions.

When he first took office, the American economy was strong. National debt was low. Since Bush took office, he has done absolutely nothing to help the American people and the national debt is so unbelievably astronomical, it will probably take us decades to recover from the carnage.

He has given away billions and billions of our American tax dollars while our own nation suffers.

While on the surface it may appear that the stock market is gaining some ground and business is beginning to rebound, the fact remains that many of our own companies keep moving overseas to avoid hiring American workers.

Bush likes to brag about how his tax cuts have solved our economic woes. Where are the jobs he says were created? Do they equal the number of jobs we have lost over the past couple of years? Wages are going down while prices continue to climb.

I think Bush has done nothing but mislead us and ransack our nation's economy since he first took office. It is pathetic and sad to see him tell people that the American economy is getting better. This jobless recovery is no recovery at all.

Dave Scott, Colerain Township

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Hot new economy hasn't hit Butler Co.

The published numbers touting a hot economy are complete and total hogwash. In Butler County, individuals with advanced degrees are applying for $9.50 an hour, entry-level jobs at Miami University - since Miami is one of the few employers left that offers health benefits. Even with advanced college degrees in hand, the local job market is a total mess for younger and older workers. Professional jobs are now gained only via political and personal contacts, in both the public and private sectors.

Additionally, if you are over 40 and lose your job in this so-called booming economy, heaven help you, as age discrimination is subtle, but very rampant.

There is no doubt that Butler County is in the midst of an economic depression, and it's getting worse by the minute.

Robert S. Weber, Hamilton