OK, Amy, I read the post by the analyst. I didn't see many facts to change MY mind, or my knowledge. If you think the figures are being cooked, write to your Congressman/woman.
The federal government's statistical gathering and reporting system does not allow for cooking. The White House doesn't dictate how the figures are gathered or reported every month.
The figures are secret until the minute they are released, often at 8:30 a.m.
I used to have to give up my desk and phone and report to work later than usual on the appointed days, so the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Wash Post reporters could try to grab my seat first, get the release when handed out at the door, and get the figures out. Nobody except a handful of BLS employees knew what those figures were in advance. BLS employees are prohibited by law from futures trading for obvious reasons.
The White House doesn't get a chance to grab the figures first and doctor them up. The statistical systems can't change every time a new group comes into office at the White House, either.
I don't know how many facts you need to change your opinion, but I probably don't have enough to accomplish that anyway. Like I said, if you object....write to your elected representatives who have legislative oversight on the subject.
You seem to be confusing what I said about cooking the figures with your position that the figures are not correct. Well, can your Silicon Valley whizzes help out the government and find a better way to gather the statistics, which might make them suit your view of accuracy? |
