At least in 1939 a disgusted Congress rebelled and enacted legislation barring federal workers from such political activity.

FORBES: Real Deal on FDR

Most productive activity was small enterprise, often family conducted and sometimes with a few other workers.

FORBES: Cold Fusion and Unintended Consequences

These declines pre-date the current recession, and besides, startup activity has always held up well in past recessions as unemployed workers try entrepreneurship as a path back to prosperity.

FORBES: Where Have All The Small Businesses Gone?