Unemployment is negligible, though it's hard to find jobs. Financial markets are booming, but people aren't spending.
Inflation is flat, yet things keep costing more.
Politically, too, the indicators are dazzling. And while nobody you know respects the president, surveys show strong approval ratings. Even your neighborhood is flourishing. Your schools show terrific test scores, though the kids don't seem well educated. Surveys say minorities integrate smoothly into the community, though you don't see any around town.