U.S. Economy Appears to Be Picking Up, Experts Say

Kelly P July 15, 2012 at 07:00 pm

What's your point PC...http://data.bls.gov/pdq/SurveyOutputServlet
The current labor participation rate is higher than from the late 1940s to the 1980s. You're not making any point at all. It seems these posts of yours are good examples of the problem in attempting discourse in this kind of venue. It adds no value to post antagonistic comments and data points that don't provide any revealing information (whatever the viewpoint) - it's worse that you do it with the charming step of denigrating others. Bravo. What great fun you must have at your keyboard.

Paul Chotkowski July 15, 2012 at 10:17 pm

Ms. Politikos, by any objective standard the NYT skews left and has carried water for the Obama campaign, his administration, and now again his campaign. When Farmington Patch reissues / re-purposes one of their stories, it is not objective news it is political boosterism masquerading as objective journalism. It is an interesting perspective that pointing out this fact is characterized as “antagonistic” or “denigrating others”. It would appear from your comments that the only types of “discourse” that “adds value” are those that agree with you and / or reinforces your world view. I stipulate to the fact that such will most likely never occur with one of my posts. If that is your requirement for “revealing information”, in the future please consider skipping anything authored by me. You are a much better writer than I [which frankly would not take much, a point made often on Patch] if you can make all your points in 1,500 characters without error the more power to you. In closing a quick civil question, did you seriously mean to compare labor participation rates in the 1940s with today? Based on my understanding of the two labor forces that would be wrong on too many levels to list but I am willing to learn so please help me understand why that is a valid comparison.

Kelly P July 15, 2012 at 11:05 pm

Just because you can type a windstorm doesn't mean much, Sir Posts-a-lot. You questioned the appropriateness of an article, you questioned the source, and you questioned its substance by posting a source of data with no context, no expository content whatsoever. Your response assumed my agreement with some viewpoint on the basis of merely my having called you out, not on the basis of anything I posted. I see you've done this a lot in this forum, a heck of a lot - to what end is the perennial question. To recap, your reference was to l a b o r p a r t i c i p a t i o n r a t e. That info provides no meaningful insight about economic policy without exposition, in particular one needs data on the performance of the economy in the proper time context. Historical references are most relevant since you seem to want to draw some connection between the rate and a particular economic policy.

Kelly P July 15, 2012 at 11:19 pm

And you might quit making assumption about gender as well as the myriad other assumptions you pepper your posts and replies with. I will not delude myself into thinking that you will change behavior here. But why you bother so consistently to categorize, monopolize and launch provocative epithets in respect of the banal content of Patch, and in such a snarky manner, is real tough question to answer. It's even more so in light of the price you seem to pay in the community, evidenced by your own words. A real odd situation. But don't pretend you're offering substantive content until you do so, then the rest of us won't have to either.

Jay July 15, 2012 at 11:49 pm

Both of you have some big words there. Agree to disagree and move on. Lack of doing so is part of the problem. Stop trying to figure it all out like either of you know the answer(s), there are too many moving parts to this "Global" economy, in which the U.S. economy is part of.

Andrew Ziemba July 16, 2012 at 04:31 am

Kelly, sorry but this article is riddled with fake, misleading information. Paul points this out and then shows data which shows the MUCH MORE IMPORTANT AND RELEVANT statistics, and you go off on him? Oil prices are nowhere near the top indicators of an economic recovery...Neither are jobless claim numbers, and neither are car sales!
If you want to look at how our "recovery" is doing, then calculate the CPI INCLUDING FOOD AND ENERGY, as it has ALWAYS BEEN until the numbers started to go OFF THE CHART. Explain the price of commodities lately. Look at INFLATION. Personally, I don't think borrowing 4 billion per day equals recovery. If I had to charge $50 on my credit card every day, and 1% cumulative every day just to survive, I'd think I was in pretty rough shape... Would you agree? Please, I beg you to talk about the CPI while including food and energy. Oh boy, oh boy, please!

Paul Chotkowski July 17, 2012 at 05:45 pm

Update: I guess the paper of record and head BHO cheerleader got it wrong, good thing Patch did such a thorough analysis of the topic. With luck no one will actually read Chairman Ben S. Bernanke Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress presented today before the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, U.S. Senate. Kool Aid drinking Redistributionist will only remember the boosterism and cheerleading served up before the testimony. For those who never let the facts get in the way of the Party Approved Narrative, please allow me to share two pull quotes from the testimony “... these forecasts are lower than those we made in January, reflecting the generally disappointing tone of the recent incoming data.” And, “... given that growth is projected to be not much above the rate needed to absorb new entrants to the labor force, the reduction in the unemployment rate seems likely to be frustratingly slow”. And because I still have a few characters remaining how about “Forward-looking indicators of investment demand … suggest further weakness ahead. In part, slowing growth in production and capital investment appears to reflect economic stresses …” I guess it all depends on what your definition of “appears” is for the original headline to work? No chance that Patch / HP / AOL will do a follow up. There's NO STORY HERE, move on, look there’s something shinny, its brown bear in the woods with an M14 Mod 0 EBR hunting schnauzers.

MAC July 17, 2012 at 09:28 pm

We're still in an economic disaster because Obama despises our history and the greatness of America! Thus he continues to lie and stir up hatreds and envy with divisive rhetoric such as "the rich are not paying their fair share!" That's all he's got, folks. His actual record (job performance) is ABYSMAL, so he defaults to the same old tired diversion of divisiveness!!!
Obama's anti American Exceptionalism has a lot to do with why he is such a miserable FAILURE as president, driving our economy further into the sewer, and our nation further down "The New Road to Serfdom"!! (book title by Daniel Hannan) Obama is fine with those deplorable results, because he believes in a specious "fixed pie" theory of economics, and in "wealth redistribution" and "social justice," which are equally insidious and EVIL notions!!! He wants America to become poorer, because he believes that that is the only way for people in third world nations to become more prosperous. Because most Americans don't agree with those "EVIL notions," Obama knows he can't win re-election based on the job he has done. Please WAKE UP, Americans, and get involved helping to replace Obama and the other BIG government lovers in congress (ALL of those from CT) and Hartford!

Dave July 17, 2012 at 09:41 pm

Yo, bigMAC, Obama is trying to clean up the God-awful mess the Repubichairs made of the economy when George Worthless Bush was in token office. Cheney, his dad's licky lick was actually running the country because Alfred E. Newman was clueless. Vote Obama to save America!

Brian Anston July 18, 2012 at 12:54 am

MAC, you are sooooooo wrong. Obama will save this country. And if it takes the have's to pay a little more in taxes to help the have-nots then so be it. Welcome to the new world order. Change happens- deal with it MAC!

Spiff July 18, 2012 at 12:07 pm

Dave and Brian, Unfortunately, MAC is absolutely correct! Obama is not trying to clean-up anything, and his policies actually hurt the country overall. I have a great read for you (link below). One of your brethren, former dem state rep Bill Kiner, published a great piece just yesterday. Even he has an understanding of how jobs are created and how to get this economic recovery back on track. Unfortunately, the leader of his party has no intention of doing any of these things, voluntarily anyway. Enjoy the read!
http://enfield.patch.com/articles/kiner-s-korner-what-wrong-with-tax-cuts-for-all-americans

Dave July 18, 2012 at 12:28 pm

Spiff, I'd rather slide down a razor blade bannister into a vat of rubbing alcohol before I'd read the link you set up. Conservatives suck and Obama will win again! Get used to that fact. The Republicans created this terrible economy and Romney will only add to it. Just for fun - maybe he'll release a few more years of tax returns so we can see where he's hiding his millions offshore!

Spiff July 18, 2012 at 01:23 pm

Well, Dave, are't you clueless, and it's certainly your choice to remain that way.
Since you won't access the link, here are a couple of paragraphs from the liberal democrat Bill Kiner (if not for you, then for other readers): "What to do with the money that the government will not be taking if the tax cuts remain is easy. Option three - invest. Money not encumbered by the government could be spent on enlarging businesses already in existence. Money could be used to fund new businesses (startups). Jobs would be created, small business would be created, and new wealth would be created. And maybe even a strong middle class could once again emerge. What's wrong with that?" "For those of you who may consider me an apostate to the Democratic Party, I would say that I am still a Democrat. But I also believe that as a Democrat, I can still disagree with my party on some issues, and agree with my party on others." So, Dave, it looks like there are some in your party who are developing a clue, who do understand how to create jobs and jumpstart this stagnant recovery, unfortunately, Obama isn't one of them! Clearly, if you had an understanding, you'd know that Obama's policies hurt economic growth.

Dave July 18, 2012 at 01:34 pm

Spiff, Take your hateful Republican attitude elsewhere. No one wants to hear your canned speech. The Liberals will rule your life until you die. If you don't like it go find an island to live on so we don't have to hear your tired messages anymore. All aboard! Vote Obama!
By the way,I didn't bother reading the middle part of your message which is, I'm sure, just more conservative BS. Where's those tax returns Romney! What are you hiding?!?!?!?

Spiff July 18, 2012 at 01:47 pm

Hateful attitude? Looks to me like you're the hater there, Mr. Dave. And BTW, the middle part of my message was written by a liberal democrat, so it really can't be "more conservative BS" to use your term. Since you are unable to have a civil and coherent conversation, Dave, why don't you leave the adult conversation to the adults!

Dave July 18, 2012 at 01:54 pm

Spiff, I'm sorry! Did I upset you? Why can't we just be friends? Spiff baby, I am an adult. I like to converse. It's just trying to deal with Repubichairs that causes me to get a little wacky. Please accept my apology Spiff. I love you man!
Haaaacccckkkkkkk....... sorry, just coughed-up a Romney tax return. It was all covered with white-out and zeros.

Saul Freedman July 18, 2012 at 02:11 pm

Let's not forget, the author of this article used to work for Barack Obama.

Andrew Ziemba July 18, 2012 at 02:15 pm

There is absolutely nothing wrong at all with storing wealth outside of the US dollar. There is nothing unpatriotic about it and it is not immoral in any way whatsoever. Obama does it, Warren Buffet does it, anyone who has money and a brain does it. Why are you hammering this issue so hard?

Andrew Ziemba July 18, 2012 at 02:19 pm

Dave, hate to burst your bubble, but it was DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS both that destroyed the economy, and sold out the every single American for special interests and huge corporations...Anyone who thinks that one or the other party is responsible for this problem we face IS PART OF THE PROBLEM. Break up the two party system, start voting your conscience, STOP voting for the lesser of two evils, they are both horrible choices. Support any good candidate in the primaries, but if they don't win the nomination, then vote 3rd party.

Robert Capelleti July 18, 2012 at 02:34 pm

Both parties are on Corporate America's payroll. Just follow the money. That's why the outsourcing continues, including the government contracting in the middle east rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan. Big, big corporate money there. They are all a buncy of crooks in Washington and on Wall Street. Wake up and smell the coffee and stop believing that propaganda on CNBC, the WSJ, et al, owned by, no less, Corporate America.

Dave July 18, 2012 at 03:42 pm

Hello Spiff.... can you come out and play?

Paul Chotkowski July 18, 2012 at 04:36 pm

In these posts we see 2 visions of America. BHO and his Progressive / Socialist ilk require the creation of an all powerful “Nanny State” which will uses force to demand radical egalitarianism best described as the absolute equality of social condition and an exactness of burdens and benefits and thru this social engineering they obtain their version of a just utopian society. In order to achieve these ends, the State must control every aspect of its subjects’ lives: food, shelter, education, medical care, environment, energy, economy, security, etc. The alternative is liberty, personal freedom, capitalism, a limited government [whose power is strongly checked by the sovereign states and a free, educated, and armed citizenry] and a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence. A Hobson's Choice offered by Progressives / Socialists is that we should compromise. This concept is tailored to Codeless Independents who just want everyone to get along & please don’t ask me to actually believe in something for which I am willing to pledge our lives, our fortunes & our sacred honor [already made a pledge to NPR]. Fabians made it quite clear, Progressive Socialism wants incremental “PROGRESS” rather than open "REVOLUTION", so they always win in any compromise. So Choose! The facts, evidence, reason, logic & history are on Freedom's side. No one has every died attempting to illegally enter Cuba, East Germany, Vietnam, or Camboida while millions died trying to escape!

Spiff July 18, 2012 at 05:13 pm

Paul, Clearly you have an understanding of both sides and it's great to read your posts. Hopefully more people can develop the same perspective before it's too late!

Dave July 18, 2012 at 05:14 pm

Paul, dumb it down.

Dave July 18, 2012 at 05:29 pm

Hey Spiff, you and Paul seem to have a real connection. Vote Obama!

Sami Mehmed Jr July 18, 2012 at 06:18 pm

Ask Nevada how the economy is improving. Yes, Senator Reed;s home state, I believe.
A Republican governor asks public unions for give backs in order to balance the budget but the unions say no, (whats new). The Republican governor declares a state of financial emergency. Enforces union give backs in order to avoid tax increase all around. The nation is starting to bubble under Obama and over generous entitlements in general gained bye legal collective bargaining. Send the article to Nevada State residents for comments.

Paul Chotkowski July 19, 2012 at 12:37 am

Dumbed down version. Some people believe in unicorns, wizards, and free lunches. All we have to do is let the government take very thing that "rich" people own or earn [because these golden egg laying geese will just continue to work hard and create more wealth so the government can take it all again next year]. Then the wise, kind, and just politicians and administrators [like Philip Drew] will give the 99% what they are entitled to! And then … tell you if you can have children, how many sq feet you can live in, if you can have a car, where & what work to do, what & how much to eat & if you get sick, if are you worth enough to their utopian society to bother treating [all these things have already happened somewhere in the Progressive / Socialist world].
Or you can realize that you live in the greatest country in the history of the planet! That people actually die attempting to come here. That million more would come here if they could. That the vaunted 99% in America are all part of the top 2% world wide - even the poorest! And that our flawed, messy, but resilient Democratic Republic built on top of the divinely inspired Constitution embracing free enterprise and capitalism is what made it all possible. So cowboy up, you can’t always get what you want but even today if you work, study, support your family and community, it just may be possible for your children or grandchildren; but it will never occur in a Progressive / Socialist / Marxist run country NEVER!

concerned July 19, 2012 at 11:34 pm

Well, it's really sad seeing these comments in this great nation. We all have free will to work, educate, move anywhere, etc. However, what our government (both parties) is doing to this great society is dispicable. They are pitting us all against each other. So many will only vote their party line, truly sad. These freedoms are not offered in third world countries, socialist countries, or communist countries.
Please America, put aside your party lines and vote on your morals, integraties and abilities. Use your own brain and do your research. The government was written in our wonderful constitution to be a part time job, and when these elected officials completed their terms, they were to leave and go back to their previous jobs. It's time America to take back our country and vote them all out and stop giving them so much money. Perhaps we can have America the Great back!

MAC July 20, 2012 at 09:32 pm

Anyone who "uses [his/her] own brain" will not vote for Obama if they want "America the Great back!"
Obama attacks and PUNISHES those who have worked hard and become successful, because he has a sick view of our Free Enterprise system, and our nation's history and Founding Principles. One would have to be living under a rock to not see the stark differences between Romney and Obama. Obama said, one week ago, "If you've got a business....you didn't build that!!" in a speech in which "he disrespected the American People"!!! http://www.therightscoop.com/mark-levin-romneys-speech-today-was-superb/ In stark contrast, Romney not only has stellar executive experience and personal credentials, as well as statesmanship, but he believes in the greatness of America and her people! The differences are obvious to anyone who is paying any attention: Obama has us on "The New Road to Serfdom" (book title by Daniel Hannan) and "fiscal ARMAGEDDON"!! In contrast, if Romney becomes President, and has some help from a senate where Harry Reid is no longer in charge, America can get back on the Road to Prosperity!!!

J. Lippi July 21, 2012 at 06:27 pm

Agree !