Who's to Blame

I'm not Obama's biggest fan right now and, honestly, never was. But I do think the guy has faced blame that was unjustly thrust upon him. It appears that even blaming him for the high unemployment in this country is also not just at all, because it is not his fault. In great part, he is responsible only for the unemployment that occurred during the time when his policies combatting it were put into effect. (Any logical person would not claim that he is responsible for all job losses post-20 January 2009.) Taking that into consideration, the result is astounding, as this blogger finds.

If you're more inclined to like pictures, behold this:

In other words, it is the Bush policies that are responsible for the loss of 7,796,000 jobs, and the Obama policies that are responsible for the loss of 41,000 jobs. That's Bush for 99.48% and Obama for 0.52% of unemployment.

This picture also illustrates it well. Or maybe it's just a cool picture that I want on my blog.

(Graph Source & via)

(Image Source)

What Bunning's Butting In Causes

Doctors cannot get reimbursed for Medicare, thanks to a recalcitrant senator from Kentucky. Not to mention the millions who rely on unemployment benefits across the nation who are now left high and dry.

The State of the Economy

A comprehensive look:

Obama says, we're headed 'in the right direction' and would therefore like to continue on the same trail. He reiterated the message and the efficacy of his stimulus plan in Indiana last week, where he reminded the nation of the short- and long-term effects of the stimulus.

Unemployment still on the rise, but gives signs of slowing down for the first time in months.

The record-high number of people on food stamps (34 million) highlights the importance of government assistance. Yes, it's necessary; and no, it does not breed laziness!

Similarly, suicide calls to suicide prevention centers are also on the rise. Data show that about a quarter of them are apparently related to economic troubles.

Rising sperm donations don't really say much, except that guys are eager to sell their stuff for some extra income. (Note to self: Look into this.)

Unemployment Figures

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes a chart outlining unemployment rates for all fifty states for the month of June 2009.

On two different columns, they also publish the historic highs and lows of unemployment for each state, accompanied by the month and year of their occurrence.

Sobering to think that thirty-four of the highs in unemployment (that's low employment for the duller among you) occurred during the Reagan years (1981-1989), the president so many today claim to revere as a beacon conservative.

And here's a color-coded map of the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rates in all states. Paul Krugman interprets the numbers and explains that the most affected areas show that manufacturing jobs are the hardest-hit.