Meltdown By The Numbers

The Oakland Press ^ | June 6, 2009 | Christopher Rugaeber

MISERY LOVES COMPANY

14.5 million: People unemployed in May 2009, the most ever in records dating to 1948

12.1 million: People unemployed in December 1982, the record before the current downturn

9.4 percent: Unemployment rate in May 2009

10.8 percent: Unemployment rate in December 1982, the highest since World War II

August 1983: Last time the unemployment rate was higher than the current level