Originally Posted by Virgil K. Saari

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

More horrific headlines...

• U.S. Economy Added 144,000 Jobs in August
  By REUTERS??8:45 AM ET

*Figures such as 144,000 may be seasonally (political season :wink: ) adusted after sixty plus days. Not that the numbers would be as the WMDs in Iraq, non-existent--just "massaged".

Or, they may be adjusted "up," like prior months. Quoting more of the of the Reuters story:

• The August new-job gain came in slightly below Wall Street analysts' forecasts for a 150,000-job gain but the department also revised up its totals for June and July job creation by 59,000. Economists said this likely meant that the U.S. Federal Reserve will continue its policy of gradually ratcheting up interest rates.
  
  A month ago, the department said that only 32,000 jobs were created in July but it more than doubled that estimate to 73,000 and it said 96,000 jobs were created in June instead of 78,000.

You should really learn to Google the rest of the story more often, Saari dude. You'll look less foolish that way. :wink:

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

You should really learn to Google the rest of the story more often, Saari dude. You'll look less foolish that way. :wink:

My browser won't Google into the future.
Do you need IE 6 to get there? A faster connection than 28K?

Originally Posted by Virgil K. Saari

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

You should really learn to Google the rest of the story more often, Saari dude. You'll look less foolish that way. :wink:

My browser won't Google into the future.

So the Labor Department "conspiracy" intentionally underestimated the job numbers in June and July so as to lend more credibility to their planned jobs bounce for August, huh? With Labor's cooperation like this, I can only imagine what the "future" holds for President Bush in September and October. Sheesh, maybe we'll get to less than 1% by then?

You know, for being such an idiot moron, that Bush sure is one clever guy, eh, Saari dude?

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by mgibbons19 (71)

From CNNMoney's website:

Weakest in two years 10:22a
Personal incomes edged up just 0.1%, well below forecasts, but consumer spending rebounded.

With headlines like that....

More horrific headlines...

• U.S. Economy Added 144,000 Jobs in August
  By REUTERS??8:45 AM ET
  The unemployment rate for August fell to 5.4 percent from 5.5 percent, the lowest since October 2001, the government reported today.

With headlines like that...

... Democrats haven't much to complain about. :wink:

On the other hand....

Food Stamp Participation Increases in May 2004 to 24 Million Persons

http://www.frac.org/html/news/fsp/Latest_FSP.html

The just-released numbers for June and the preliminary numbers for July and August indicate continuing increases.

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

On the other hand....

Food Stamp Participation Increases in May 2004 to 24 Million Persons

The just-released numbers for June and the preliminary numbers for July and August indicate continuing increases.

Slick marketing, perhaps?

p.s. And, to think, some folks really don't believe that Big Government Democrats love bad news. :wink:

Today,

Originally Posted by David Broder

The weakest link in Bush's speech was his bland assurance that the economy has recovered well enough to provide more and better jobs. But Friday morning's announcement of much better job statistics did what Bush himself could not do.

I think the unemployment rate has been below that of Bill Clinton's first term for some time now. Unlike Clinton, however, Bush inherited an economy in recession (it officially began in March of 2001, much to the Democrat's glee), not to mention the destruction of two World Trade Center towers. That the economy did not also totally collapse in the aftermath of that tremendous shock is a tribute to the American people and the leadership of George Bush.

No wonder, then, Tom Dacshle, former Democrat Majority Leader in the Senate, is using the "Bush hug" in his campaign ads. :wink:

One further note from Broder, today...

Originally Posted by David Broder

When I was discussing Kerry and the controversy over his Vietnam service Aug. 24, I foolishly wrote that the "the boomers are now in their sixties." Thanks to many of you, I have been reminded that the first of the boomers, as usually defined, were born in 1946, making them 58 at most. Math was never my strong suit.

No problem. Even fellas like Strauss and Howe have muddied those generational waters.

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

On the other hand....

Food Stamp Participation Increases in May 2004 to 24 Million Persons

The just-released numbers for June and the preliminary numbers for July and August indicate continuing increases.

Slick marketing, perhaps?

p.s. And, to think, some folks really don't believe that Big Government Democrats love bad news. :wink:

I don't know if "Democrats" love bad news, but I do know you don't give a hoot about accuracy, only partisan spinning and black hearted musings.

I "googled" and found this right away:

http://money.cnn.com/2004/09/03/news...ugust/?cnn=yes

According to Money magazine, that left-wing rag :

"The unemployment rate dipped to 5.4 from 5.5 percent in July, mainly due to a decline in the labor force, bringing the rate to its lowest since September 2001."[Emphasis added]

In fact, if you do a little honest research (though automatons aren't good at that, so I won't expect it of you) you'll find that a majority of recent unemployment rate "declines" are the result of people giving up on finding other people to employ them. They are either giving a go at their own business or becoming a "household dependant".

Furthermore, as for "job creation", this economy needs to create 150,000 jobs a month, all other things being equal, just to keep the unemployment steady. In that case this month's 144,000 doesn't even cut the mustard. (and if you need another article to point that number out, try here)

Oh, and more of that "bad news" from Leftist news sources:

". . . despite the recent job gains, the economy has still lost about 1 million jobs since Bush took office in early 2001, meaning Bush is likely to become the first president since the Depression era's Herbert Hoover to complete his term with an overall drop in U.S. payrolls." [Emphasis added]

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

U.S. Economy Added 144,000 Jobs in August

On the other hand....

Food Stamp Participation Increases in May 2004 to 24 Million Persons

Which means more job security, huh? For Granger that is. :wink:

In defending the Devil ( :twisted: ), I do have to make the following point about food stamp receipt. The previous AND current Administrations have shared a commitment to using food stamps ("nutrition assistance") as a "work support", to help low-wage workers be able to make ends meet. Both administrations have giving state and non-profits funds to provide outreach to nonparticipating low-income families and individuals and the current Administration has prepared elaborate publicity materials about food stamps.

In the last months of the Clinton administration, Congress passed legislation allowing states to change how food stamps treats vehicles so that owning a reliable vehicle no longer disqualifies a person or a family from receiving food stamps (under the theory that if we want to encourage people to work, they have to be able to GET to their jobs.

Also, the Farm Bill restored food stamps to many legal immigrants.

Next week, USDA will be releasing a report that shows that one reason why the number of people receiving food stamps has risen is that these changes had made millions more eligible for food stamps.

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

U.S. Economy Added 144,000 Jobs in August

On the other hand....

Food Stamp Participation Increases in May 2004 to 24 Million Persons

Which means more job security, huh? For Granger that is. :wink:

I didn't think you had an answer for me. Typical. Shows how wrong you are in your truthtwisting, eh Automaton? :wink:

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

In defending the Devil ( :twisted: ), I do have to make the following point about food stamp receipt. The previous AND current Administrations have shared a commitment to using food stamps ("nutrition assistance") as a "work support", to help low-wage workers be able to make ends meet. Both administrations have giving state and non-profits funds to provide outreach to nonparticipating low-income families and individuals and the current Administration has prepared elaborate publicity materials about food stamps.

In the last months of the Clinton administration, Congress passed legislation allowing states to change how food stamps treats vehicles so that owning a reliable vehicle no longer disqualifies a person or a family from receiving food stamps (under the theory that if we want to encourage people to work, they have to be able to GET to their jobs.

Also, the Farm Bill restored food stamps to many legal immigrants.

Next week, USDA will be releasing a report that shows that one reason why the number of people receiving food stamps has risen is that these changes had made millions more eligible for food stamps.

See, Marc, she actually DOES earn her check! :-)

Originally Posted by William Jennings Bryan

I didn't think you had an answer for me.

Funny, I didn't see any questions.

As far as the real story behind the employment situation, this guy has a pretty good take. But this one I posted is even better.

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

More horrific headlines...

• U.S. Economy Added 144,000 Jobs in August
  By REUTERS??8:45 AM ET
  The unemployment rate for August fell to 5.4 percent from 5.5 percent, the lowest since October 2001, the government reported today.

With headlines like that...

... Democrats haven't much to complain about. :wink:

You think this is a good report?

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

U.S. Economy Added 144,000 Jobs in August

On the other hand....

Food Stamp Participation Increases in May 2004 to 24 Million Persons

Which means more job security, huh? For Granger that is. :wink:

No. My job is funded under different authority than Food Stamp Program benefits.

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

No. My job is funded under different authority than Food Stamp Program benefits.

Your job is funded by bad news for the free enterprise marketplace. Any time the private sector fails to provide for the needs of Americans, Big Government is expected to respond. One can only imagine the political fallout had Bush opted for a decrease in the "rate of growth" for the budget of the National Weather Service recently.

Bad news benefits Big Government, Nanny State liberals everytime, all the time.

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

No. My job is funded under different authority than Food Stamp Program benefits.

Your job is funded by bad news for the free enterprise marketplace. Any time the private sector fails to provide for the needs of Americans, Big Government is expected to respond. One can only imagine the political fallout had Bush opted for a decrease in the "rate of growth" for the budget of the National Weather Service recently.

Bad news benefits Big Government, Nanny State liberals everytime, all the time.

When the private sector fails to do right by Americans, such as is currently the case (especially in 'Ohia') what should We The People do? Nothing? Just let Big Buisiness go right on fu*&ing everyone until no one can afford to buy all the little widgets the bastards are making in China with workers making 2 cents an hour? President Bush apparently thinks this is the way to go, which is the central reason I dislike him so much.

The real problem with Big Government is that it's in bed making whoopee with Big Business, instead of standing guard over it.

Originally Posted by Roadbldr '59

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Bad news benefits Big Government, Nanny State liberals everytime, all the time.

When the private sector fails to do right by Americans, such as is currently the case (especially in 'Ohia') what should We The People do? Nothing? Just let Big Buisiness go right on fu*&ing everyone...

I would imagine the pioneers came up with an answer to the "Republicans are evil, conniving assholes, and the Democrats are pansy-faced wussies" dilemma. I think their answer ran along the lines of "life goes on," so deal with it.

p.s. Oh, and

p.p.s. !

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Roadbldr '59

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Bad news benefits Big Government, Nanny State liberals everytime, all the time.

When the private sector fails to do right by Americans, such as is currently the case (especially in 'Ohia') what should We The People do? Nothing? Just let Big Buisiness go right on fu*&ing everyone...

I would imagine the pioneers came up with an answer to the "Republicans are evil, conniving assholes, and the Democrats are pansy-faced wussies" dilemma. I think their answer ran along the lines of "life goes on," so deal with it.

p.s. Oh, and

p.p.s. !

Yup, that's about all any of us can do....well, except maybe banish both parties and start a new one that actually works for us. Maybe in 2008 or 2012...it ain't gonna happen this year!

Originally Posted by Roadbldr '59

Yup, that's about all any of us can do....well, except maybe banish both parties and start a new one that actually works for us. Maybe in 2008 or 2012...it ain't gonna happen this year!

Banish "both parties," in favor of "one"???

Are you a Communist, or a Nazi, Mr. Parker? Inquiring minds wish to know. :?

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Hermione Granger

No. My job is funded under different authority than Food Stamp Program benefits.

Your job is funded by bad news for the free enterprise marketplace. Any time the private sector fails to provide for the needs of Americans, Big Government is expected to respond. One can only imagine the political fallout had Bush opted for a decrease in the "rate of growth" for the budget of the National Weather Service recently.

Bad news benefits Big Government, Nanny State liberals everytime, all the time.

My job is funded by a "Food Programs Administration" line item in the annual Agricultural Appropriations Act (or, in the past few years, in the same line item in the big omnibus appropriations act). It is independent of the size of the Food Stamp Program (FSP) caseload, which is funded under a different line item.

I guess your larger point is that in an ideal world, jobs would pay enough that people working full-time would be able to cover their shelter, nutritional, and medical needs without the assistance of the government, and also put aside funds for their retirement so that they wouldn't be dependent on social security. And churches and other volunteer groups would help the disabled and those who temporarily fall on hard times. We all would like that. How do you propose we get there? :?:

In the mean time, it is the political appointees appointed by President Bush (or his USDA Secretary, Ann Veneman) who pushed for restoring eligibility to legal immigrants who've lived in the US for five years or more, and are encouraging states to make food stamps available and accessible to those who qualify but aren't participating in the program. Do you support these efforts or oppose them? :?:

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Roadbldr '59

Yup, that's about all any of us can do....well, except maybe banish both parties and start a new one that actually works for us. Maybe in 2008 or 2012...it ain't gonna happen this year!

Banish "both parties," in favor of "one"???

Are you a Communist, or a Nazi, Mr. Parker? Inquiring minds wish to know. :?

I'll bet you would! Maybe we'll start by locking up all the Ohioans ;-)

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Roadbldr '59

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Bad news benefits Big Government, Nanny State liberals everytime, all the time.

When the private sector fails to do right by Americans, such as is currently the case (especially in 'Ohia') what should We The People do? Nothing? Just let Big Buisiness go right on fu*&ing everyone...

I would imagine the pioneers came up with an answer to the "Republicans are evil, conniving assholes, and the Democrats are pansy-faced wussies" dilemma. I think their answer ran along the lines of "life goes on," so deal with it.

p.s. Oh, and

p.p.s. !

Lithium. It would do you wonders.

Originally Posted by Virgil K. Saari

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

More horrific headlines...

• U.S. Economy Added 144,000 Jobs in August
  By REUTERS??8:45 AM ET
  The unemployment rate for August fell to 5.4 percent from 5.5 percent, the lowest since October 2001, the government reported today.

*Figures such as 144,000 may be seasonally (political season :wink: ) adusted after sixty plus days. Not that the numbers would be as the WMDs in Iraq, non-existent--just "massaged". In the coming Ownership Society the State will own the Statistics still. :arrow: :arrow: :arrow:

Funny, I hadn't realized how huge this Bush conspiracy was until today:

• Greenspan Says Economy Regained Traction
  
  By Nell Henderson
  Washington Post Staff Writer
  Wednesday, September 8, 2004; 11:20 AM
  
  Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said today that U.S. economic growth has picked up since slowing sharply in the late spring.

Perhaps, Mr. Saari and his liberal friends should just stick to the Bush-Saudi-9/11 connection, and give it a rest on the domestic economic news conspiracy business for a while?

Originally Posted by Roadbldr '59

Originally Posted by Devil's Advocate

Originally Posted by Roadbldr '59

Yup, that's about all any of us can do....well, except maybe banish both parties and start a new one that actually works for us. Maybe in 2008 or 2012...it ain't gonna happen this year!

Banish "both parties," in favor of "one"???

Are you a Communist, or a Nazi, Mr. Parker? Inquiring minds wish to know. :?

I'll bet you would! Maybe we'll start by locking up all the Ohioans ;-)

Hmm, I coulda swore I sensed a bit of excitement, not to mention hearty approval, in your post: "and start a new one that actually works for us."

If I am somewhat mistaken, Mr. Parker, perhaps you clarify what "actually works for us," if not the "one party" you suggested replace "both parties" in 2008?

With all due respect mr advocate, it doesn't seem that your sticking up for the conservatives makes sense in this particular topic. I'll admit that apocalyptic types love stuff like 4T, and enjoy dreaming up scenarios of financial collapse and ruin.

Those revelations-ish scenarios aside, most of the worry I see on this column focuses on the US getting away from economic fundamentals, and embracing growth-at-all-costs, including massive debt. Now, a true conservative I would expect to focus on these fundamentals, and I would expect to be nervous about too much risk and leverage. Especially in troubling times.

Now Bush is spending like mad, joe consumer is spending like mad, Greenspan is encouraging spending like mad, and the entire mess is leveraged almost to its full value.

I respect that you're trying to stick up for the other side on this forum, fair enough. But I don't see how sticking up for them elsewhere lines up with sticking up for them here where the concern is that conservative fundamentals are being ignored.

I'm concerned we're going to lose the collective farm because the consumer, the pres, and the fed are too liberal with debt. I don't know how you don't agree philosophically.