Friday, October 5, 2012

Good News is Bad News

Jack Welch, nursing a grudge,
Said: "The joblessness numbers are fudged;
Self-seekingly cooked,
Like the numbers I booked
At GE, so I'm able to judge."

When the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced this morning that the unemployment rate had fallen below 8% for the first time since January 2009, it disappointed many Republicans who were hoping for a weak number to strengthen the hand of their Presidential candidate. One of those Romney supporters, former GE CEO Jack Welch, took his disappointment a little too far: Economists such as Justin Wolfers leapt to the defense of the BLS, which, although part of the President's cabinet, has a proudly independent and non-partisan structure and tradition. Other commentators regarded Mr. Welch with irony and contempt, considering the earnings manipulation that occurred during his management, resulting in a settlement of SEC charges.

Shout-out to all the fans of Dr. Goose at the BLS!
Posted by Dr. Goose
Labels: ,

1 comment:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Popular Posts

  • Student Loan Blues
    "Though college, I felt, was a sure thing, As of now, unless gold I'm unearthing, To pay off my loan, I'll have to postpon...
  • Over-Hurd at an HP Board Meeting
    "After proofing each check and gratuity,  We've determined beyond ambiguity:  Your expenses look funny,  If none of this money  ...
  • Powerball
    I'm buying a Powerball ticket (Or several, or even a thicket), In hopes I may win A billion bucks in The unlikely case that they pic...
  • Money Supply
    "I'm afraid," said Bernanke to Geithner, "The debt crisis still has lots of bite in 'er. Though it may cause some...
  • The $37 Billion Question
    Said a Harvard professor of econ, "That Google's got something unique on: They have cash by the score, Yet still borrow more; T...
  • Fed's Letter to Deutsche Bank
    "In reviewing your earnings per annum, We're less than impressed, and we pan 'em. The bank may have gains, But this letter ...
  • Piqued by Oil
    The price of petroleum's slacking With all of that pumping and fracking Maintaining supply At a level so high, While demand, at...
  • Safe Investments?
    Said a strategist, airing his views On central bank rumors and news: "You've booked every gain And best not retain Your bonds...
  • A Bad Trade
    The economy once ago sank From abuses at many a bank, Which Congress attacked In a really big act That went by the name of Dodd-Fran...
  • Consumption Be Done About It?
    The US has always depended On a rate of consumption that's splendid, By consumers for whom The means to consume  May soon have them over...