Peeking Under The Government's Skirt....

I know we've strayed from the Real Estate chattering a bit lately but with these unprecedented economic happenings, let's call it a related conversation. We'll start by shining a light on the US Government's economic indicators


True Unemployment
Unemployment jumped to 8.1%, the highest since1983. But if part-time, discouraged workers and others are factored in, the current unemployment rate is actually 14.8 percent.
If the rate weres calculated under the same formula as during the Great Depression, unemployment would be 19%. (http://www.shadowstats.com/charts_republish#cpi)

True Inflation
Inflation (CPI) is officially 0.5%, which is basically nothing.
Yet if calculated under the original formula from Depression era, it would be 3.25% inflation. (http://www.shadowstats.com/charts_republish#cpi)
Remember, if your bank savings account isn't paying more than 3.25%, you are losing "money."

Food Stamps
The Government reports a record 31.8 million Americans on food stamps.
This includes an increase of 700,000 food stamp recipients in February.
The average food stamp benefit is $115 a month for individuals and $255 a month for families.
Try feeding a family on that budget.

Nero Fiddles
Five weeks into his tenure, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner has yet to name a single top deputy or assistant secretary. This leaves Treasury with too few people authorized to make decisions or represent the department in meetings with stakeholders.

In other news, the Captain of the Titanic asked:
"Where the hell is all this water coming from?!"