Disagree . . .

(from https://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/despite-what-trump-says-tariffs-aren-t-boosting-american-economy-n1002331)

". . . Trump asserted that the tariffs already in place have boosted the economy. . .“These payments are partially responsible for our great economic results,” he tweeted on Sunday. . . Economists disagree. . .“It’s pretty hard to justify the argument that tariffs have strengthened the economy,” said Dan North, chief economist at Euler Hermes North America. “In the first quarter GDP report, there was a very sharp reduction in imports. Of course that makes GDP look bigger, so that would be a result of the tariffs coming into play. However, that is not a way to grow an economy,” he said. . ."

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Sweating . . .

 . . . the small stuff. . .

 I well know the importance of a healthy economy.  I know its importance to me personally, to my family and to the future of the country.  But it seems to me that the (it's not THE LIBERAL, its just THE) press, not to mention numerous and sundry consultants, economists, pundits and 'forecasters' (which may very well be redundant), are exploiting the details of our current crises and consequently, stirring up some sh. . . . . . let us say anxiety.

Case in point (from MSNBC). . .  

"The Labor Department reported Friday that the unemployment rate edged up to 8.2 percent, its first increase in 11 months, as American employers fretted over Europe, higher pump prices and the persistent problems in the housing market. . . "  It's first increase in 11 months!!!   The first ANYTHING doth not constitute a TREND.  And there's the "F" word (no not that one),  I mean "fretted".  Who would know better about "fret" that these guys/girls who cultivate it like Jimmy Carter does peanuts.

". . . Non-farm payrolls rose by 69,000, the lowest increase in a year and well below the 150,000 jobs that economists had expected. . . "  Economists EXPECTED.  So what?  Until they tell my why, how and everything else about why they expected that, why should I fret about what they say?

". . . "It's an awful number. Not only is it awful in its numerical terms, it comes at a very skittish time in the markets because of the European crisis," said Rick Meckler, president of Libertyview Capital Management. . . A number like this brings concern about a global slowdown. The time has probably come to for some new government action in the U.S., Europe and China," . . . " YEAH!  Prolly IS, Rick.  (Who the hell is THIS GUY?  C'mon press.  What makes Libertyview special?)  Of course Rick is upset!!!  And furthermore, ". . . the time has PROBABLY come to(sic) for some NEW GOVERNMENT action in the U.S. . . "????  I do believe Rick may be a Socialist.  (Strange line of business for a Socialist.)

". . . The news came after a government report Thursday that showed the U.S. economy expanded at a 1.9 percent annualized rate in the first quarter, below the initial estimate of 2.2 percent and much slower than the 3.0 percent pace clocked in the fourth quarter. . . "  1.9%;  2.2%;  3%???  A fraction of a percent here and a fraction of a percent there and pretty soon we're talking 3.1%!!!!

". . . "Today's weak jobs report is devastating news for American workers and American families," Romney said in a statement shortly after the data was released. . . "   Exactly what I expected Romney would say. What else is new?

". . . The Obama administration said that while the jobs data was unacceptable, Congress needed to act to help the economy.  "Congress has to take some action because while we see the unemployment rate where it is, it's not acceptable," Solis told CNBC. . . "  (Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor)   Well put Hilda.  What does Congress do anyway?

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More, More, More . . .

. . . it's never enough. . .

 (from NPR http://www.npr.org/2012/04/27/151456319/is-moderate-growth-good-for-the-economy)
'The U.S. economy hit the recession exit ramp nearly three years ago, but it's been lost on the back roads somewhere near Recoveryville ever since. Growth rates have been modest at best compared with the 4-plus percent growth in the years well before the U.S. began slouching toward its worst post-World War II recession. On Friday, the government reported that the economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the first quarter, down from the 3 percent rate at the end of 2011. The Federal Reserve this week said it expects growth to "remain moderate over coming quarters and then to pick up gradually. "Common sense says high growth rates are good and slower, more modest ones are not so good. But is that always the case? After all, the "irrational exuberance" of the early 2000s helped bring on the recession as people borrowed and spent their way to prosperity. Economists say growth will remain low and consumers will be cautious as long as unemployment stays high. Last month, the jobless rate stood at 8.2 percent. We asked four economists for their take on the growth rate and whether it has triggered any permanent change in consumer behavior. They are Chris Christopher, a senior principal economist at IHS Global Insight; William Dickens, an economist at the Brookings Institution; Gary Hufbauer, a senior researcher at the Peterson Institute for International Economics; and Ken Matheny, senior economist at Macroeconomic Advisers. . ."

It's time we re-examine our expectations and our standards.  Let us redefine 'growth' and calibrate our expectations to a more realistic and natural level. Paraphrasing Dylan Ratigan in "Greedy Bastards",  short term greed is practiced by greedy bastards;  the largest  payback as quickly as possible.  Long-term greed is what capitalism is all about.  Provide a good or service of value and reap a profit over a number of years . . . yes YEARS;  a concept quite foreign to U.S. business.

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