Jobless Claims in U.S. Unexpectedly Fall to Lowest Since Bush Took Office

I can read, if the economy is doing so well, why are the rates down as low as they are now?

Why sure they fell, they cut out the extended pay period for unemployment benefits.

"U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Fell by 6,000 Last Week"

Sure Moby. You know how to read. Only a liberal could confuse "extended" with "Initial".

NAFFT = DU Troll Since Mar 17, 2004

I would like to inform you I am not a liberal, in fact I have not mentioned anything about parties. You assumed I was a liberal because I am concerned about losing our manufacturing base in the U.S.A. The fact is Bill Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Act, by his side was every living former president from both parties. Clinton even acknowledged their contribution. We need our manufacturing to remain in the U.S.A.. Both parties are part of the problem. If the Democrats were in power, the Republicians would go after the issue of trade and job loss for the up coming elections. You know and I know neither party is going to do anything about what is happening until the voters get fed up. In 2005 we will lose more than textiles and furniture manufacturers. NAFTA will be a walk in the park compared to opening up greater opportunities for China.

Federal Reserve policy makers voted this week to hold interest rates at 1 percent, the lowest since July 1958, noting that ``new hiring has lagged.''

Low Interest rates normally indicate a struggling economy.

REMEMBER ME FROM 2004??

I got hammered.

I am back to say I told you so.

Read 2004 POST below:

Thursday, March 18, 2004 11:38:48 · 3 of 20
lewislynn to NAFFT
A message from NAFFT

Allen Greenspan recently addressed the public concerning the state of the economy. One key issue was the changing workforce and the need for education and training. I think anyone would agree education creates a more productive workforce and is a plus for any society. It is great that we have advanced to the top in the field of information and technology. How long will it before others catch up or even surpass American technology, just us as the Japanese did in the 80s? Are we repeating history, assuming we will always be superior in the field of technology? I am in no way suggestion isolation from the rest of the world. Our economy is very much dependant upon exports. Imports provide choices and creates competition among manufactures, but to abandon manufacturing completely is like giving up our birth right. What happens to individuals who have learning disabilities, but are productive in today's workforce? What happens to our sense of pride and patriotism when we no longer make things in the U.S.A.? How do we maintain competition among foreign producers?

Economist claim the shift from an industrial economy to marketing and service is similar to the transition from agriculture to industrial.

There is a difference. We did not lose agriculture; smaller farmers went to work in the factories, while the remaining farmers increased the size of their operations. Today we are losing jobs that will never return. Consider the following:

When all state side manufacturing is gone foreign producers will exploit their monopoly, and we can expect unimaginable inflation. Fuel price is an example of what can happen when we lose control. Do we really want foreign producers dictating what we pay for our commodities?

If we are forced to engage in a war or conflict with no manufacturing infrastructure, from whom do we purchase our parts and supplies?

During the strike on the west coast ports, retailers were forced to increase prices for items in demand and were concerned if their Christmas shipments would arrive. Expect worse if foreign producers refuse to ship goods to the west.

Before we write off manufacturing in the U.S. we should weigh all our options, once the infrastructure is gone there is no turning back.

Payroll taxes enables our government to provide social security benefits and maintain a superior military. Considering the current unemployment rate how do we compensate for the loss of tax dollars generated from payroll deductions?

Other factors to consider:

Is this not the same country who claims to be ashamed of our past regarding slavery? Then why are we not ashamed to accept goods in our country produced by women and children earning pennies a day in sweatshops with little or no regard for the environment? Thousands of U.S. soldiers were killed in Vietnam fighting for democracy. Today we import American flags from communist countries who defy the freedom our flag stands for. What a slap in the face of those who served.

As I stated earlier I agree education and training is an asset to the American workforce and imports are important to our economy. However, we are way out of balance. It is becoming more and more difficult to purchase products made the U.S.A.. Who do we blame? The government, the economist, the foreign producers? The economist say we have no choice as to where things are produced, when greater profits can be obtained from cheap labor overseas. An efficient economy produces what the people want lower prices, which brings me to my conclusion. Before we can expect a manufacturer to produce here or the government to do the right things, we the consumers must take action. Utilizing our purchasing power, we can force the economy to respond to our demands. If we are willing to pay a few pennies more and search for items made in the U.S.A. when we shop, the government, the economy, and manufacturers will be forced to respond to our demands. We can put Americans back to work and leave this country a stronger and more productive nation for our children and grandchildren.

Dale Guyton

NAFFT (The National Association For Fair Trade)

http://www.nafft.com

The ability to manufacture is a key ingredient of a strong and productive nation.