Category Archives: Washington DC

Washington Post misrepresents Labor Force Participation Rate, Unemployment rate blamed on Baby Boomers, Selective quoting, Post receives 4 Orwells

Washington Post misrepresents Labor Force Participation Rate, Unemployment rate blamed on Baby Boomers, Selective quoting, Post receives 4 Orwells

“The United States economy has lost more jobs than it has added since the recovery began over a year ago.”…NY Times Sept. 20, 2010.

“the Times of the nineteenth of December had published the official forecasts of the output of various classes of consumption goods in the fourth quarter of 1983, which was also the sixth quarter of the Ninth Three-Year Plan. Today’s issue contained a statement of the actual output, from which it appeared that the forecasts were in every instance grossly wrong. Winston’s job was to rectify the original figures by making them agree with the later ones.”…George Orwell, “1984”

“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed
–if all records told the same tale–then the lie passed into
history and became truth. “Who controls the past,” ran the
Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present
controls the past.”…George Orwell, “1984″

The Washington Post on May 4, 2012 posted a very misleading article titled “The incredible shrinking labor force.” Is this another example of sloppy or biased journalism or both?

First the graph they presented with a source given of Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The verbage in the top right corner looked suspicious, “As the most recent recession hits the workforce, larger numbers of baby boomers begin to retire.” Yesterday I called the Bureau of Labor Statistics and discovered that they had not placed those words there. It was the work of the Washington Post.

So why did the Post superimpose that wording about baby boomers on the graph?

From the article.

“In April, the U.S. economy added a mere 115,000 jobs, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Friday. In a normal month, that would not even be enough to keep up with new entrants into the labor market. But in this economy, it was enough to drive unemployment from 8.2 percent down to 8.1 percent, the lowest point since January 2009.

The explanation is a little-watched measure known as the “labor force participation rate.” That tracks the number of working-age Americans who are holding a job or looking for one. Between March and April, it dropped by 342,000. But because the official unemployment rate counts only those workers who are actively seeking work, that actually made the unemployment rate go down.

Critics of the Obama administration have been quick to seize on this as the real reason for the falling unemployment rate. In February, the Republican National Committee released a research note on “The Missing Worker,” arguing that “over 3 million unemployed workers have called it quits due to Obamanomics.”

Economists say the story is considerably more complicated. For one thing, the trend predates President Obama. And while part of the story is clearly that the labor force is shrinking because the bad economy is driving workers out, another significant factor is that baby boomers are beginning to retire early — a trend that has worrying implications for future growth.”
“But a number of economists are arguing that the recession is distracting people from the real story — long-run demographic trends that have nothing to do with the current economy. Baby boomers are starting to retire en masse, which means that there are fewer eligible American workers.”

“But since 2000, the labor force rate has been steadily declining as the baby-boom generation has been retiring. Because of this, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago expects the labor force participation rate to be lower in 2020 than it is today, regardless of how well the economy does.”

“But the other 65 percent are people who have left the labor force and do not want a job. The biggest chunk of that group seems to be composed of baby boomers, those 55 and older, who have decided to retire early.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/the-incredible-shrinking-labor-force/2012/05/04/gIQANXAy1T_blog.html?hpid=z1

There are some truths, half truths and lies mixed together in this article. Apparently the government does expect the aging baby boomers to impact job numbers more by 2020.

However, the article was crafted to give the impression that baby boomers are a big reason for the declining Labor Force Participation Rate now.

Two government sources reveal that is false.

From the Congressional Budget Office January 2012.

“Participation in the Labor Force. The unemployment rate would be even higher than it is now had participation in the labor force not declined as much as it has over the past few years. The rate of participation in the labor force fell from 66 percent in 2007 to an average of 64 percent in the second half of 2011, an unusually large decline over so short a time. About a third of that decline reflects factors other than the downturn, such as the aging of the baby-boom generation. But even with those factors removed, the estimated decline in that rate during the past four years is larger than has been typical of past
downturns, even after accounting for the greater severity of this downturn. Had that portion of the decline in the labor force participation rate since 2007 that is attributable to neither the aging of the baby boomers nor the downturn in the business cycle (on the basis of the experience in previous downturns) not occurred, the unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 2011 would have been about 1¼ percentage points higher than the actual rate of 8.7 percent.”

http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/attachments/01-31-2012_Outlook.pdf

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics January 2012.

Monthly Labor Review, Employment Outlook 2012 – 2012.

“In contrast to the factors exerting downward pressure on labor force participation rates, at least two factors have been responsible for strengthening the rates, although not enough to offset the factors pulling them down:

The labor force participation rate of the 55-years-and-older age group has increased considerably since 1996. In 2000, the rate was 32.4 percent; a decade later, in 2010, it had risen significantly, to 40.2 percent. (See table 3.) BLS projects that the labor force participation rate of those 55 years and older will reach 43.0 percent in 2020. The continued gradual increase in the labor force participation rate of this age group, multiplied by the sheer number of baby boomers in the group, is expected to partially compensate for the multiple other factors pushing the rate to lower levels and is expected to keep it from declining even further in the future.”

http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/01/mlr201201.pdf

For this sloppy and/or misleading article, the Washington Post receives 4 Orwells.

Obama regime fosters images of Nazi Germany and “1984”, Questioners of Obama become thought criminals, Orwellian media and symbolic book burning

Obama regime fosters images of Nazi Germany and “1984”, Questioners of Obama become thought criminals, Orwellian media and symbolic book burning

“I am not a thought criminal. I am a concerned American who respects the US Constitution.”…Citizen Wells

“Children in Nazi Germany were encouraged to report their parents for disloyal actions.”…Citizen Wells
“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed
–if all records told the same tale–then the lie passed into
history and became truth. “Who controls the past,” ran the
Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present
controls the past.”…George Orwell, “1984″

Citizen Wells began noting the similarities to Nazi Germany and “1984” by George Orwell early in 2008 and warning about history repeating.

This morning I experienced another deja vu moment in regard to history repeating itself.

A younger person, who I consider a friend, and I were conversing. I relayed how I recently bit my tongue around some family members who were not as discreet about discussing political matters. I was attending a family function that dictated polite conversation. My younger friend asked if I was one of those birthers who don’t believe that Obama was born here. I stated my customary response of I don’t know where he was born but I do know he has used taxpayer dollars to keep his records hidden. You would have thought that I insulted his mother. I asked him if he wanted to compare notes and he went ballistic and then began calling me names.

To those of you familiar with history this sounds all too familiar.

In 2008 I was attacked verbally and given death threats.

Jon Voight the actor and his family were attacked in 2008 for asking simple questions.

Lou Dobbs, while at CNN, had his house shot at for asking simple, real journalistic questions about Obama.

Jim Pendergraph, after being endorsed by the Charlotte Observer, has now been discredited and the endorsement rescinded for asking simple questions about Obama.

Book burning in Nazi Germany.

Thought criminals in “1984.”

What troubles me more than my young friend attacking me is that this is happening, just as in Nazi Germany and in “1984” on a large scale. People with such strong ties to the Democrat Party, to the end justifies the means mentality, that just like their counterparts in Nazi Germany, they lose touch with reality and become automatons.

I had always hoped that if I had lived in Nazi Germany I would have spoken out.

Jim Pendergraph runoff election July 17, 2012, Pendergraph endorsed by Sheriff Joe Arpaio questioned Obama eligibility, Charlotte Observer attacked

Jim Pendergraph runoff election July 17, 2012, Pendergraph endorsed by Sheriff Joe Arpaio questioned Obama eligibility, Charlotte Observer attacked

“Why has Obama, since taking the White House, used Justice Department Attorneys, at taxpayer expense,  to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells

“Why is Obama now employing private attorneys to keep his name on state ballots, despite compelling evidence that he is not a natural born citizen?…Citizen Wells

“Pendergraph’s long experience as a public servant, especially his 12 years as Mecklenburg County sheriff, would be an asset. He understands the value of service to constituents and responding quickly and efficiently to their cares and concerns.”…Charlotte Observer

Jim Pendergraph, who entered the race for NC 9th Congressional District Republican Congressman late (Feb. 2012), will be in a runoff election with the other top vote getter Robert Pittenger on July 17, 2012. This despite the efforts of the Charlotte Observer to discredit him after endorsing him.

From the Charlotte Observer May 9, 2012.

“District 9: Runoff looms for Pittenger, Pendergraph

Pittenger, Pendergraph lead in chase for Myrick’s seat”

“Republicans Robert Pittenger and Jim Pendergraph, whose feuding dominated the crowded primary in the 9th Congressional District, are poised to take it into a July 17 runoff.

Buoyed by strong showings in the Charlotte suburbs, Pittenger led the 10-man field with about 33 percent of the vote. Pendergraph had about 25 percent.

While each fell short of the 40 percent needed to win outright, both lapped the 10-man field. Edwin Peacock, a former Charlotte city council member, ran third with about 12 percent. State Rep. Ric Killian had about 10 percent. No one else had more than 7 percent.

The eventual winner will be the favorite in November against Democrat Jennifer Roberts and Libertarian Curtis Campbell in the heavily Republican district that includes most of Mecklenburg County and parts of Iredell and Union.

The candidates are running for the seat being vacated by Republican U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick of Charlotte. It’s open for the first time in 18 years, and only the fifth time in six decades.

“I think we brought a clear, conservative message to the voters,” Pittenger said Tuesday night. “They know that I will stand for those values in the future. … This has been a grass-roots effort with lots of involvement. It hasn’t just been Pittenger.”

Comparing spending

But only two House candidates in the country spent more of their own money. Outpacing his rivals, the Charlotte real estate investor and former state senator gave his campaign $1.1 million.

Pendergraph, a Mecklenburg County commissioner and former sheriff, has run as Myrick’s hand-picked successor. He was the target of a barrage of ads by Pittenger.

“He spent a million and a half dollars, and I’m nipping at his heels,” Pendergraph said Tuesday night. “If I had spent (that) I’d be really disappointed if I don’t blow out all the candidates. … Everything he has said, he either has stretched the truth or out-and-out lied.”

Pendergraph, under attack from Pittenger and a super PAC that supports him, struggled to compete financially.

Through mid-April, he’d raised $173,000, less than three rivals. Last week he loaned his campaign $20,000, saying, “The well’s near dry.”

Pittenger defended his ads, which have flooded mailboxes as well as airwaves.

“Of course Mr. Pendergraph has pandered and flip-flopped,” he said. “We’ll show the distinctions between the two of us.”

Pittenger, a social as well as fiscal conservative, won support from voters like Carter Brydon, a south Charlotte Republican. He said he liked Pittenger’s “big-time Christian values.””

“Last week Pendergraph stirred controversy when he said he had “reason to be suspicious” of President Barack Obama’s claim that he was born in the U.S. and thereby eligible for the presidency. His remarks on the “birther” issue prompted the Observer to retract its endorsement for the first time.

It also appeared to cost him some votes.

“I was going to go with Pendergraph (until) the birther stuff,” said Richard Ellis, a south Charlotte Republican. “That’s kind of silly. I think it’s an issue that’s been put to rest.””

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/08/3227717/district-9-us-house-runoff-looms.html

Mr. Ellis, you have been lied to by the mainstream media.

Jim Pendergraph, I applaud you.

When in the Charlotte area in recent years, I heard nothing but good things about Jim Pendergraph. Obviously the Charlotte Observer had the same opinion before Pendergraph questioned the messiah, Obama (see quote above).

“But we give our nod to Mecklenburg County commissioner Jim Pendergraph. We believe he has broad appeal and understands the district’s needs best. He speaks with a strong conservative voice but seems pragmatic in how he would represent the district – focusing on constituent needs and getting things done.”

Read the history of Jim Pendergraph being endorsed by the Charlotte Observer and then attacked by them.

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/charlotte-observer-obama-media-arm-media-bias-example-times-of-1984-praises-jim-pendergraph-one-minute-then-attacks-him-orwellian-two-minute-hate/

Why any concerned American should question Obama.

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/charlotte-observer-obama-facts-obama-hides-birth-certificate-college-and-other-records-taxpayer-dollars-aid-in-obama-deception-sheriffs-arpaio-and-pendergraph-question-obama/

NC marriage amendment passes, Mitt Romney wins NC Republican primary, Obama has a NC problem

NC marriage amendment passes, Mitt Romney wins NC Republican primary, Obama has a NC problem

NC marriage amendment passes.

Mitt Romney wins NC Republican primary.

Obama has a NC problem and it is getting bigger.

Jim Pendergraph, who was endorsed by Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who questioned Obama’s birthplace and had his endorsement by the Charlotte Observer rescinded, is in a close battle with Robert Pittenger in the Republican 9th district US Congress race.

Charlotte Observer Obama facts, Obama hides Birth certificate college and other records, Taxpayer dollars aid in Obama deception, Sheriffs Arpaio and Pendergraph question Obama

Charlotte Observer Obama facts, Obama hides Birth certificate college and other records, Taxpayer dollars aid in Obama deception, Sheriffs Arpaio and
Pendergraph question Obama

“Why has Obama, since taking the White House, used Justice Department Attorneys, at taxpayer expense,  to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells

“Why is Obama now employing private attorneys to keep his name on state ballots, despite compelling evidence that he is not a natural born citizen?…Citizen Wells

“Pendergraph’s long experience as a public servant, especially his 12 years as Mecklenburg County sheriff, would be an asset. He understands the value of service to constituents and responding quickly and efficiently to their cares and concerns.”…Charlotte Observer

Since the Charlotte Observer endorsed Jim Pendergraph, rescinded the endorsement when Pendergraph questioned Obama’s birthplace and attacked Jim Pendergraph and Sheriff JOe Arpaio for simply doing their job and asking simple questions, I feel it is my duty as a natural born citizen of the United States, eligible for the US Presidency and a native born citizen of North Carolina and resident of NC, to do the job that the Charlotte Observer and most members of the mainstream media have failed to do. That is, explain to you why Jim Pendergraph and Sheriff Joe Arpaio have questions and concerns about Obama’s birthplace, birth certificate, eligibility for the presidency and other records.

I am going to make this so simple that anyone can follow it.

01. First and very important. Barack Obama, unlike John McCain, has never presented a legitimate long form certified copy of his birth certificate. This
includes the numerous court challenges to Obama.

02. Various entities placed images of a COLB (Certification of Live Birth) on the internet purported to be Obama’s but never proven to have originated from
the State of Hawaii. Even if Obama had personally presented one of these in court, it would have been thrown out as conclusive proof of Hawaiian birth. There were 4 ways of getting one of these when Obama was born and one could be born abroad.

03. Numerous challenges to Obama’s eligibility have been made in court beginning in 2008. These challenges have demanded proof of Obama’s eligibility and most have requested legitimate copies of Obama’s birth certificate, college and other records. None of these challenges has been pled before higher courts
or the Supreme Court of the US.

04. Irrespective of where Obama was born, per the accepted definition of Natural Born Citizen when the US Constitution was written, Obama is not eligible
because he did not have 2 US citizen parents.

05. Obama has employed numerous private and government attorneys to avoid presenting documents and proof of eligibility.

06. In 2008 Obama employed Robert Bauer of Perkins Coie and other private attorneys to assist him in keeping his records hidden. Obama hired Robert Bauer as White House counsel in 2009.

07. Since taking the White House, Obama has used numerous US Justice Department Attorneys, at taxpayer expense, to assist him in keeping his records hidden.

08. Recently Obama has employed private attorneys to assist him in eligibility challenges. Remember, in 2008 when John McCain was challenged on his
eligibilty, he promptly presented a legitimate birth certificate.

09. Tim Adams, an election official who worked in the elections office in Hawaii in 2008 signed an affidavit stating that there was no birth certificate for
Barack Obama in HI in 2008.

10. The new Governor Of Hawaii, Neil Abercrombie, soon after taking office, stated that he could find no birth certificate for Obama.

11. In April 2011, an image purporting to be the long form birth certificate for Barack Obama was placed on WhiteHouse.com. Most experts immediately
determined that it was a clear fraud. All one has to do to dismiss this image as evidence is to read the bottom of the image:

“I certify this is a true copy or abstract of the record on file in the Hawaii State Department of health.” Alvin T. Onaki, Ph.D.

Abstract: “The term abstract is subject to different meanings, but in a legal sense, it refers to an abbreviated history of an official record.”

Or abstract disqualifies it.

12. Sheriff Joe Arpaio, at the request of hundreds of his constituents, assembled a cold case posse, at no cost to taxpayers and performed a professional investigation, seeking the truth about Obama’s birth certificate and other records. The image placed on WhiteHouse.gov was determined to be a forgery and Obama’s selective service application is believed to be a forgery as well. Sheriff Arpaio is currently attempting to get the Selective Service Administration to cooperate.

13. Documented and reported here, Obama lied on his Illinois Bar Application. Obama omitted his other names and his numerous parking tickets that he later paid when running for president.

The above are just the highlights, the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Any rational, concerned, believer in the US Constitution and rule of law would have doubts about Barack Obama by being aware of these facts.

How many of these facts were reported by the Charlotte Observer?

The damning information about Obama may be in his college records and Selective Service Records.

Charlotte Observer Obama media arm, Media bias example, Times of “1984”, Praises Jim Pendergraph one minute then attacks him, Orwellian two minute hate

Charlotte Observer Obama media arm, Media bias example, Times of “1984”, Praises Jim Pendergraph one minute then attacks him, Orwellian two minute hate

“we give our nod to Mecklenburg County commissioner Jim Pendergraph. We believe he has broad appeal and understands the district’s needs best. He speaks with a strong conservative voice but seems pragmatic in how he would represent the district – focusing on constituent needs and getting things done.”…Charlotte Observer April 28, 2012

“If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it”…Joseph Goebbels

“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed
–if all records told the same tale–then the lie passed into
history and became truth. “Who controls the past,” ran the
Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present
controls the past.”…George Orwell, “1984″

Despite the fact that what the Charlotte Observer has done in Orwellian, Joseph Goebbels fashion to demonize Jim Pendergraph and Sheriff Joe Arpaio after praising Pendergraph in an endorsement, disgusts me, I would like to thank the Observer for providing one of the clearest examples of media bias and “1984” thought control. I began quoting Orwell regularly in early 2008. Images of “1984” and Nazi Germany abounded. The similarities to the Obama camp were and are striking .

For example, note how the Charlotte Observer first praises Jim Pendergraph in their endorsement.

From the Charlotte Observer April 28, 2012.

“But we give our nod to Mecklenburg County commissioner Jim Pendergraph. We believe he has broad appeal and understands the district’s needs best. He speaks with a strong conservative voice but seems pragmatic in how he would represent the district – focusing on constituent needs and getting things done.

He did sign a no-tax increases pledge and said he would focus on spending cuts. But he said he would consider taxes if “every other way possible” was tried and failed to reduce the deficit and get the economy going.

Pendergraph gained national exposure as sheriff for his leadership in the 287(g) program, which allows local officials to enforce federal immigration laws. He was the first sheriff east of California to use the controversial program. But his views on immigration reform are more nuanced. He favors both enforcement and reforms that would allow the immigrant workers that the country needs to be able to work here. The issue should be dealt with in a “common-sense” way, he says.

Pendergraph’s long experience as a public servant, especially his 12 years as Mecklenburg County sheriff, would be an asset. He understands the value of service to constituents and responding quickly and efficiently to their cares and concerns.

This race has been marred by negative advertising, largely aimed at Pendergraph from GOP challenger Robert Pittenger, a former state lawmaker. Those ads and the sniping back and forth at debates distracted attention from the candidates’ records and positions. The people in the 9th district deserved better. We hope the candidates will give them better in the waning days of this primary season. If not, voters should remember that in the voting booth.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/28/3205731/pendergraph-strongest-pick-in.html

Next, after Jim Pendergraph mildly questions Obama.

From the Charlotte Observer May 3, 2012.

“What a run for Republican Jim Pendergraph. After winning the Observer’s endorsement in his bid for Congress, he has done nothing but embarrass us and himself.

By buddying up to one of America’s more hateful egomaniacs and then joining with fringe “birthers” to question President Obama’s citizenship, Pendergraph has contradicted much of what he told the Observer’s editorial board in his endorsement interview last month. As a result, we have lost faith in him, and urge voters to consider Edwin Peacock or Ric Killian in the 9th Congressional District race.”

“Then he rallied in Huntersville with Maricopa County (Ariz.) Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a Melvillian character on a never-ending crusade against Latinos. The only thing that energizes Arpaio more than stroking his ego is profiling Hispanics. The U.S. Justice Department found Arpaio led “a pervasive culture of discriminatory bias against Latinos” and one expert in the report said Arpaio led the worst racial profiling in U.S. history.

Pendergraph pandered further this week by saying he has “reason to be suspicious” about whether President Obama was born in the United States. “… Generally when there’s smoke, there’s got to be fire somewhere,” he said, even as he acknowledged “I haven’t seen the facts.”

It all gives one the sense that Pendergraph will say whatever a given audience wants to hear, if it will help him get elected. That makes how he would act in Congress a mystery.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/03/3217068/2-better-choices-in-9th-congressional.html#storylink=cpy

From “1984” by George Orwell.

“The next moment a hideous, grinding speech, as of some monstrous machine running without oil, burst from the big telescreen at the end of the room. It was a noise that set one’s teeth on edge and bristled the hair at the back of one’s neck. The Hate had started.

As usual, the face of Emmanuel Goldstein, the Enemy of the People, had flashed on to the screen. There were hisses here and there among the audience. The little sandy-haired woman gave a squeak of mingled fear and disgust. Goldstein was the renegade and backslider who once, long ago (how long ago, nobody quite remembered), had been one of the leading figures of the Party, almost on a level with Big Brother himself, and then had engaged in counter-revolutionary activities, had been condemned to death, and had mysteriously escaped and disappeared. The programmes of the Two Minutes Hate varied from day to day, but there was none in which Goldstein was not the principal figure. He was the primal traitor, the earliest defiler of the Party’s purity. All subsequent crimes against the Party, all treacheries, acts of sabotage, heresies, deviations, sprang directly out of his teaching.”

I happened to witness some reactions to Jim Pendergraph questioning Obama and the Charlotte Observer discrediting him. Though not as vehement as some in “1984”, they were just as party programmed and automatic.

Scary.

Charlotte Observer lies to protect Obama, Observer endorsed Jim Pendergraph then rescinded and attacked, Charlotte Observer gives Obama free ride and attacks Pendergraph and Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Charlotte Observer lies to protect Obama, Observer endorsed Jim Pendergraph then rescinded and attacked, Charlotte Observer gives Obama free ride and attacks Pendergraph and Sheriff Joe Arpaio

“Why has Obama, since taking the White House, used Justice Department Attorneys, at taxpayer expense,  to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?”…Citizen Wells

“When you pick up your morning or evening newspaper and think
you are reading the news of the world, what you are reading
is a propaganda which has been selected, revised, and doctored
by some power which has a financial interest in you.”
…. Upton Sinclair
“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed
–if all records told the same tale–then the lie passed into
history and became truth. “Who controls the past,” ran the
Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present
controls the past.”…George Orwell, “1984″

The Charlotte Observer, by hiding the truth about Obama and by attacking those courageous Americans attempting to bring the truth about Obama to light, has become an embarassment to the state of NC, the nation and all lovers of constitutional truth.

The Charlotte Observer endorsed Republican congressional candidate Jim Pendergraph and then after Pendergraph questioned the messiah, Obama, they rescinded their endorsement and attacked Pendergraph and Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is doing his job, unlike the Obama lackeys at the Observer.

Make no mistake about it. The Charlotte Observer has written lies about Jim Pendergraph and Sheriff Joe Arpaio and insulted millions of concerned Americans who still cherish and obey the US Constitution.

April 28, 2012: The Charlotte Observer endorses Jim Pendergraph.

“Pendergraph strongest pick in 9th District

Commissioner, former sheriff is conservative and pragmatic”

“But we give our nod to Mecklenburg County commissioner Jim Pendergraph. We believe he has broad appeal and understands the district’s needs best. He speaks
with a strong conservative voice but seems pragmatic in how he would represent the district – focusing on constituent needs and getting things done.

He did sign a no-tax increases pledge and said he would focus on spending cuts. But he said he would consider taxes if “every other way possible” was tried
and failed to reduce the deficit and get the economy going.

Pendergraph gained national exposure as sheriff for his leadership in the 287(g) program, which allows local officials to enforce federal immigration laws.
He was the first sheriff east of California to use the controversial program. But his views on immigration reform are more nuanced. He favors both
enforcement and reforms that would allow the immigrant workers that the country needs to be able to work here. The issue should be dealt with in a “common-
sense” way, he says.

Pendergraph’s long experience as a public servant, especially his 12 years as Mecklenburg County sheriff, would be an asset. He understands the value of
service to constituents and responding quickly and efficiently to their cares and concerns.

This race has been marred by negative advertising, largely aimed at Pendergraph from GOP challenger Robert Pittenger, a former state lawmaker. Those ads and
the sniping back and forth at debates distracted attention from the candidates’ records and positions. The people in the 9th district deserved better. We
hope the candidates will give them better in the waning days of this primary season. If not, voters should remember that in the voting booth.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/28/3205731/pendergraph-strongest-pick-in.html

April 28, 2012: Sheriff Joe Arpaio campaigns with and endorses Pendergraph.

“With his primary campaign for Congress entering what he called the short road, Republican Jim Pendergraph on Saturday drew support from controversial yet
popular Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Arpaio spoke at a Pendergraph campaign rally that drew 100 people to Lancaster’s BBQ in Huntersville ahead of the May 8 primary.

Arpaio and Pendergraph described each other as friends.

Both men have drawn questions over the years about their views on immigration. As Mecklenburg’s former sheriff, Pendergraph launched the 287(g) program that
identifies illegal immigrants in the jail. He took a federal job to increase state and local coordination of immigration laws.

Arpaio, the sheriff of Maricopa County near Phoenix, is known for a hard-line approach toward immigration. The U.S. Justice Department has accused him of
violating the civil rights of Latinos.

He said when Pendergraph was with the federal government, he praised the operations in Maricopa. Arpaio never forgot his help.

Pendergraph said Arpaio is “trying to protect the citizens of Arizona because the federal government won’t.” He called on the federal government to enforce
the immigration laws.

Arpaio also said he hopes Congress will “finally look at (illegal immigration) and do something about it.”

Arpaio drew questions about his investigation into the authenticity of President Barack Obama’s birth records.

He said his probe shows the documents were forged, and criticized other elected leaders and law enforcement for failing to look into the issue. Obama and
others have long refuted claims the documents are false.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/27/3205885/arizona-sheriff-arpaio-lends-support.html

May 2, 2012: Jim Pendergraph, “I have reason to be suspicious,” 

“Pendergraph ‘suspicious’ of Obama’s birthplace”

“Few people are as publicly identified with the so-called “birther” issue as Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who has his own “posse” on the case.

Last weekend, Arpaio shared his skepticism about President Barack Obama’s birthplace – and his eligibility for the White House – when he was in Charlotte
campaigning for Republican congressional candidate Jim Pendergraph.

So what does Pendergraph, and for that matter other 9th District candidates, think of Obama’s legitimacy?

“I have reason to be suspicious,” he said. “But I don’t know. I haven’t seen the facts. I think there’s a lot of smoke and generally when there’s smoke
there’s got to be fire somewhere.”uth
Obama sought to put questions about his birthplace aside last year when he released a birth certificate from Hawaii. For many people, that settled the issue.

Even Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus last year declared the issue a distraction and said, “the president was born in the United
States.”

But in March, Arpaio’s group declared the birth certificate a forgery.

While Pendergraph said he’s not sure it is, he said, “I’ve been around long enough to know people can forge anything.””

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/02/3214498/pendergraph-suspicious-of-obamas.htm

May 03, 2012: Charlotte Observer rescinds endorsement of Pendergraph.

“What a run for Republican Jim Pendergraph. After winning the Observer’s endorsement in his bid for Congress, he has done nothing but embarrass us and
himself.

By buddying up to one of America’s more hateful egomaniacs and then joining with fringe “birthers” to question President Obama’s citizenship, Pendergraph has contradicted much of what he told the Observer’s editorial board in his endorsement interview last month. As a result, we have lost faith in him, and urge voters to consider Edwin Peacock or Ric Killian in the 9th Congressional District race.

Not infrequently, the Observer endorses candidates with whom we do not agree on all, or even most, of the issues. That is because we consider the views of
the constituents the candidate seeks to represent. We often endorsed Rep. Sue Myrick using that logic. When choosing among 10 Republicans in the 9th District race, we considered not only the extent to which we agreed with the candidate but the extent to which he represented the views of the conservative 9th District. We seek a candidate with integrity, intellect, common sense and sincerity, and whose views are not so extreme as to not reflect his district.

Pendergraph came off as a decided moderate in our endorsement process, a comportment not entirely inconsistent with his work the past year-plus as a
Mecklenburg County commissioner. He sounded reasonable on immigration, saying that illegal immigrants who are already here should be allowed to stay here. He supported comprehensive immigration reform and allowing current illegal immigrants to pay some penalty and then have a path to citizenship.

He also talked about his disdain for the polarization that plagues Washington today. He said balancing the budget would require something like the Bowles-
Simpson plan, and specifically said taxes may have to rise as part of a comprehensive plan to erase the deficit. “Let’s be honest – it’s not going to be
without pain for all of us,” he said.

How sensible.

Then he rallied in Huntersville with Maricopa County (Ariz.) Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a Melvillian character on a never-ending crusade against Latinos. The only
thing that energizes Arpaio more than stroking his ego is profiling Hispanics. The U.S. Justice Department found Arpaio led “a pervasive culture of
discriminatory bias against Latinos” and one expert in the report said Arpaio led the worst racial profiling in U.S. history.

Pendergraph pandered further this week by saying he has “reason to be suspicious” about whether President Obama was born in the United States. “… Generally when there’s smoke, there’s got to be fire somewhere,” he said, even as he acknowledged “I haven’t seen the facts.”

It all gives one the sense that Pendergraph will say whatever a given audience wants to hear, if it will help him get elected. That makes how he would act in
Congress a mystery.

Peacock, Killian strong

Republican voters have at least two better choices in Tuesday’s primary. Former Charlotte City Council member Edwin Peacock brings a thoughtful, moderate
approach to issues. He seeks to solve problems rather than be paralyzed by partisanship. And state Rep. Ric Killian brings broad experience in public office
and the military. A colonel in the Army Reserve who has spent significant time in Afghanistan, Killian understands security matters. He is earnest and
forthright and would bring a sensible conservatism to Congress.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/03/3217068/2-better-choices-in-9th-congressional.html#storylink=cpy

To the Charlotte Observer.

If you wish to respond, I will publish it.

More importantly, if you wish to compare notes or discuss these issues, I am available.

The Charlotte Observer is awarded 5 Orwells.

Obama jobs added and unemployment rate truth, Labor force participation plummeted, Skews unemployement rate, Historic drop in labor force, Orwellian spin continues

Obama jobs added and unemployment rate truth, Labor force participation plummeted, Skews unemployement rate, Historic drop in labor force, Orwellian spin continues

“The unemployment rate would be even higher than it is now had participation in the labor force not declined as much as it has over the past few years. The rate of participation in the labor force fell from 66 percent in 2007 to an average of 64 percent in the second half of 2011, an unusually large decline over so short a time. About a third of that decline reflects factors other than the downturn, such as the aging of the baby-boom generation.

But even with those factors removed, the estimated decline in that rate during the past four years is larger than has been typical of past downturns, even after accounting for the greater severity of this downturn. Had that portion of the decline in the labor force participation rate since 2007 that is attributable to neither the aging of the baby boomers nor the downturn in the business cycle (on the basis of the experience in previous downturns) not occurred, the unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 2011 would have been about 1¼ percentage points higher than the actual rate of 8.7 percent.”…Congressional Budget Office

“the Times of the nineteenth of December had published the official forecasts of the output of various classes of consumption goods in the fourth quarter of 1983, which was also the sixth quarter of the Ninth Three-Year Plan. Today’s issue contained a statement of the actual output, from which it appeared that the forecasts were in every instance grossly wrong. Winston’s job was to rectify the original figures by making them agree with the later ones.”…George Orwell, “1984″

“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed
–if all records told the same tale–then the lie passed into
history and became truth. “Who controls the past,” ran the
Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present
controls the past.”…George Orwell, “1984″

With my math and computer science background and awareness of Orwellian wordsmithing by the Obama camp, I couldn’t help but notice what is going on with jobs and unemployment reporting. Another huge clue has been the emphasis from the mainstream media, i.e., “The lady doth protest too much me thinkst.”

Obama continues to tout the jobs being created without ackowledging the jobs lost. However, the biggest bit of Orwellian spin is referencing a drop in the unemployment rate and ignoring a historic drop in the labor force participation rate.

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 4, 2012.

“Both the number of unemployed persons (12.5 million) and the unemployment
rate (8.1 percent) changed little in April.”
“The civilian labor force participation rate declined in April to 63.6 percent,
while the employment-population ratio, at 58.4 percent, changed little.”

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

A labor force participation rate of 63.6 percent is significant.

Reported at Citizen Wells on April 26, 2012.

Labor force participation: The share of adults in the labor force — either looking or working — has dropped 3% — also highly unusual in a recovery. At 63.7%,
labor force participation is at a low not seen since the middle of the very deep 1981-82 recession, when fewer women were in the work force. A lower
participation rate makes the unemployment rate look better.

https://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/obama-and-democrats-created-high-unemployment-and-blame-bush-and-others-obama-inherited-2-years-of-a-democrat-controlled-congress-unemployemt-and-gas-prices-began-climb-in-jan-2007/

The labor force participation rate was 66 percent in 2007 when the Democrats took control of Congress.

From the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco November 2, 2007.

“the current consensus forecast among government agencies is that labor force participation will level off at around 66% and stay flat for the foreseeable future.”

http://www.frbsf.org/publications/economics/letter/2007/el2007-33.html

The labor force participation is 63.6 percent!

And jobs added, that is net jobs added.

Set your Orwell decoder ring to the proper settings.

From the Washington Post September 7, 2011.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/jobs-lost-jobs-gained/2011/09/07/gIQA1ZlYAK_graphic.html

 

Unemployment May 4, 2012, Unemployment claims revised upward, 4 week moving average 383500, April private sector jobs plummeted, Real unemployment rate?

Unemployment May 4, 2012, Unemployment claims revised upward, 4 week moving average 383500, April private sector jobs plummeted, Real unemployment rate?

“Guilford (Large NC County) appears on it’s way to a third consecutive year with annual jobless rates in double digits. Economists say that likely hasn’t happened since the Great Depression.”…Greensboro News Record December 2, 2011

“the Times of the nineteenth of December had published the official forecasts of the output of various classes of consumption goods in the fourth quarter of 1983, which was also the sixth quarter of the Ninth Three-Year Plan. Today’s issue contained a statement of the actual output, from which it appeared that the forecasts were in every instance grossly wrong. Winston’s job was to rectify the original figures by making them agree with the later ones.”…George Orwell, “1984”

“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed
–if all records told the same tale–then the lie passed into
history and became truth. “Who controls the past,” ran the
Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present
controls the past.”…George Orwell, “1984″

The stated unemployment rate is 8.1%.

What is the real unemployment rate?

Further analysis of this is forthcoming.

Here is what we know:

Unemployment claims get reported and then revised upward. The recent report was changed to 392,000 from the prior week’s reported 388,000.

The 4 week moving average has gone up the past several weeks. It is now 383,500.

Private sector employment increased by 119,000 jobs in April instead of the forecasted 170,000.

Many individuals, discouraged by the dismal jobs picture, have left the job market.

What ever the stated unemployment rate is, the real unemployment rate is significantly higher.

High school and college graduates, about to enter the full time job market, face dismal prospects. Though they have been counted by the Labor Department (I just verified this), they will still add millions to those seeking full time employment.

“Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his fellow policymakers at the central bank have expressed worry that the employment picture ahead is likely to be weak”…CNBC May 2, 2012.

Rush Limbaugh continues to state that the unemployment rate will be manipulated to benefit Obama. Anything over 8 % is considered lethal to his reelection.

Obama lies work on UNC students?, UNC student health care increase, Tuition increase, High unemployment, Obama uses Orwellian language to sway students, Occupy White House?

Obama lies work on UNC students?, UNC student health care increase, Tuition increase, High unemployment, Obama uses Orwellian language to sway students, Occupy White House?

“What do you think a stimulus is? It’s spending – that’s the whole point! Seriously.”…Barack Obama

“…and Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess. They [socialists] always run out of other people’s money. It’s quite a characteristic of them.”…Margaret Thatcher

“Guilford (Large NC County) appears on it’s way to a third consecutive year with annual jobless rates in double digits. Economists say that likely hasn’t happened since the Great Depression.”…Greensboro News Record December 2, 2011

God works in mysterious ways.

Obama and the Democrats will have their convention in Charlotte, NC.

Obama spoke recently at UNC, The University of NC, and presented more of his Orwellian lies about education costs and helping students.

Obama and the Democrats have a problem in NC.

UNC system schools recently announced tuition increases.

The unemployment rate in NC is among the highest in the nation. Those about to  graduate face bleak prospects.

And despite Obama’s lies about Obama Care reducing the cost of health care, UNC students just found out that their health care insurance is increasing significantly.

From the Charlotte Observer May 1, 2012.

“UNC system health insurance costs to rise for students

Students in the system’s plan may pay $500 to $700 more”

“The UNC system began requiring students to be covered by health insurance in the fall of 2010. Students must either prove that they have their own insurance or buy a plan offered by the UNC system. Before that, 11 campuses required insurance; rates and coverage varied significantly among the schools.

On top of rising tuition and fees, those UNC system students who buy the university-sponsored health insurance plan will face steep premium increases in the next academic year.

The cost of health insurance will climb from a range of $61 to $77 monthly to a range of $118 to $133 monthly, according to a memo sent from UNC President Tom Ross to the UNC Board of Governors. On an annual basis, most students will pay about $500 to $700 more in 2012-13, depending on the campus.

The percentage increases aren’t yet known for all campuses, because some have not chosen the level of coverage they will offer, said Bruce Mallette, UNC vice president for academic and student affairs. The annual student cost will climb 66 percent at N.C. Central University and 60 percent at UNC-Chapel Hill; the cost at N.C. State has not been finalized, Mallette said.

Notification of the rate increases will go out this week, just as students finish exams and leave campus for the summer. The news will sting.

“A lot of students are going to be very surprised by this and at a loss for what to do, especially on such short notice for the next semester,” said Kate Davis Jones, a UNC-CH junior from Raleigh who is still on her parents’ insurance. “I think it’s going to cause a lot of students to be boxed out of their education if they’re not able to afford the mandated health insurance.”

Jones said plenty of her classmates will feel blindsided, months after the UNC board set tuition and fee rates for next year, with average price increases of 8.8 percent for in-state undergraduates across the UNC system. The tuition and fee hikes are 8.5 percent at NCCU, 9.8 percent at NCSU and 9.9 percent at UNC-CH for the coming academic year.

Claims drive up costs

Mallette said the insurance increases are due to the health care usage of UNC system students during the past couple of years, plus federal regulations on preventive care and pharmacy services issued in March. The process is complicated, he said, by the new provisions of the Affordable Care Act.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/05/01/3210536/unc-health-insurance-costs-to.html

Oh, and their beloved Apple Computer Company has just been outed for avoiding paying taxes.

Not a good year for UNC students, NC and the country.

There should be a Occupy White House movement.