And since we're on the subject of evidence - what do you think of this:
The private goods-producing sector value added fell 6.4 percent in 2009, after a 4.2 percent decline in 2008.
The private services-producing sector declined by 2.1 percent, after a 0.4 percent increase in 2008.
The finance and insurance industry grew 6.1 percent in 2009, partially offsetting the widespread economic decline. The increase was primarily driven by the strong recovery of the insurance carriers industry.
From a December 2010 report from the government's bureau of economic analysis.
