as commented on over at sat, sometimes a graph is worth a gazillion words. in case you don't want to take a look, try these (closer to a hundred) ones : "Despite a string of dismal employment reports, the administration insists that its economic program, which has relied entirely on tax cuts focused on the affluent, will produce big job gains any day now. Should we believe these promises? . . . Notice that the February 2004 forecast, which, as in previous years, is based on data only through the preceding October, is already 900,000 jobs too high. Economic forecasting isn't an exact science, but wishful thinking on this scale is unprecedented. Nor can the administration use its all-purpose excuse: all of these forecasts date from after 9/11. What you see in this chart is the signature of a corrupted policy process, in which political propaganda takes the place of professional analysis."

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Evan [ 03/12/2004 20:28]: We have to take this graph to task for the distortion of not including the entire Y-axis. But otherwise, it's as hilarious and satisfying as an issue of the Onion. Paul Krugman has been a sort of hero for me, like what Ralph Nader must have been a few years ago before he became thee Spoiler. Krugman's last book, collection of columns but with a great intro, was lovely. Paul O'Neill book is still not out. Strange. Or at least it is still on order at the midtown library. With 238 reserve requests BTW.