Chimpy has us slouching towards recession.
The economy nearly stalled in the first quarter with growth slowing to a pace of just 0.6 percent. That was the worst three-month showing in over four years.
The new reading on the gross domestic product, released by the Commerce Department Thursday, showed that economic growth in the January-through-March quarter was much weaker. Government statisticians slashed by more than half their first estimate of a 1.3 percent growth rate for the quarter.
[snip]
The economy’s 0.6 percent growth rate in the opening quarter of this year marked a big loss of momentum from the 2.5 percent pace logged in the final quarter of last year.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke doesn’t believe the economy will slide into recession this year, nor do Bush administration officials. But ex Fed chief Alan Greenspan has put the odds at one in three.
The first-quarter’s performance was the weakest since the final quarter of 2002, when the economy recovering from a recession. At that time, GDP eked out a 0.2 percent growth rate. Economists were predicting the first-quarter performance this year would be downgraded, but not as much as it did. They were calling for a 0.8 percent growth rate pace.
Hat-tip to the lovely and talented Atta J. Turk.
It’s much easier to implement the police state when people are in fear of losing their jobs, homes and any semblance of stability.
The only thing that’ll keep l’il George out of Iran will be the sound of a billion sabers rattling in the Pacific rim courtesy of China.
I don’t think George & Dick are planning on leaving come 2008. They’ve had plenty of time to analyze the responses to Rudy’s attempt at usurping the mayor’s office and plan their strategy accordingly.
But… but… Stocks are soaring!
WHEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
wheee?
uh oh.