The lies continue today. As you all know, we’re out of the recession. Business is booming. Unemployment is up. No doubt, it has something to do with economic uncertainties surrounding the anti-socialist majority recently seated in Congress. You will note the 43rd president loaded the economy so tons of people would be unemployed when the 44th took office. And, you had best forget if you already haven’t that the 42nd’s administration changed the employment rate to exclude those discouraged from searching from work and underemployed part-time workers in search of more hours. Otherwise, we might appear to be reaching for Depression Era unemployment levels.
I could go off on a tirade about all the physically and mentally healthy people on disability who can’t stand that I take work home from the office and want me to go shopping with them or wake up in the morning and feel the sun on my face . . . I shall spare you.
Check out this economic indicator, instead. The Grove Park Inn announced it will not continue the Seasonal Sizzle at Seven. For the last two years, the inn spent a total of $100,000 of its own money on fireworks to help bring people downtown to spend money on cold winter Saturdays. This year, the inn announced it cannot afford to continue the program. To replace the fireworks, the Asheville Downtown Association will host caroling, hot toddies, Santa Claus, and collections for the poor. Is that recovery or what?
I am just a poor boy
Though my story’s seldom told
I have squandered my resistance
For a pocket full of mumbles such are promises
All lies and jests
Still a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest
– Simon and Garfunkel
