U.S. Economy Shrinks in 4th Qtr

[PLATO]

I'm guessing .1% is well within the margin of error and it's quite possible that GDP didn't actually decrease in the previous quarter.

The figures may be revised later (up or down), but they are what they are for now.

[Alexander's Horse]

that dip must make repubs want to eat their liver

[MichaeltheGreat]

Hah. Won one bet already. So much for the 'recovery'! Double dip, here we come!

You sound enthused about it. Too bad there aren't many economists or market types who agree with you.

[MichaeltheGreat]

He's quite crap compared to American history: http://www.clevelandfed.org/research...012/wp1214.pdf

Ah, yes, because the American economy is static over time, so is the global economy, the linkage between the American and global economies, and all recessions and depressions are identical in nature. The only thing that changes is the identity of the President.

I always loved doing studies like that. You could make virtually anything the client wanted to believe seem completely plausible, even likely. Sometimes, even inevitable.

[MichaeltheGreat]

I am not sure that Congress was the only entity negotiating in that debate. Hmmm...who was the other one? Oh! That's right! Obama was being just as immovable as Congress!

I will say that Obama did a masterful job there if he was able to convince a smart guy like you that it was just Congress' fault.

Presidents come and go. The one constant in American life is blaming the Congress. You know you want to. Come over to the dark side.

[DinoDoc]

Ah, yes, because the American economy is static over time, so is the global economy, the linkage between the American and global economies, and all recessions and depressions are identical in nature. The only thing that changes is the identity of the President.

That was fast. It only took you approximately 3 minutes between praising the views of market types and economists to denigrating them when it suited the point you were trying to make.

[Alexander's Horse]

Us economy is still number one and will come roaring back, forget China, that country has so many problems I don't know where to begin.

[PLATO]

Presidents come and go. The one constant in American life is blaming the Congress. You know you want to. Come over to the dark side.

I know I am in the minority in saying this, but I think Congress is working exactly how it was intended to. Individual representatives representing the positions of the people who elected them. Congress is under no obligation to reach a consensus, but they are under an obligation to represent the people who elected them. It seems to me that the divergence of opinions in the nation is as great as I have seen in my life...why shouldn't Congress represent that?

In the end, the gridlock in Congress is more attributable to the people than to the body itself.

IMO, the President is to act as a chief executive representing the electoral body that elected him (the states) and should work to represent what is for the greater good of the Union.

Arguably...government is actually working as intended.

[Ben Kenobi]

You sound enthused about it. Too bad there aren't many economists or market types who agree with you.

Who knew that bad economic policies = bad economic performance.

[Alexander's Horse]

Ben, we need captain america

[Al B. Sure!]

Ben, we need captain america

4th quarter? We need Tim Tebow

[Ben Kenobi]

LOL, that was actually Romney as Captain America. Besides, if I chose to wear something like that, I'd do something a bit different.

[Alexander's Horse]

no, your avatar, the other was better

[Ben Kenobi]

I actually liked that BVM portrait. I thought it was very striking.

[Alexander's Horse]

I felt the BVM is somehow sullied in that role.

I like the new look but if you use it Albie may hit on you and frankly Captain America suits you way better.