Not a proud milestone

[unixronin]

It is asserted here, supported by data from Contrary Investor (subscription only, it appears), that since what looks like about 2002 the US has had more people employed in government than in manufacturing and construction combined.  From the provided chart, the current margin is about two million.

This is not a good sign at all.

Comments

[fruitylips.livejournal.com]

Anyone who states that this kind of thing is either intentionally trying to score a cheap (and ultimately pointless) political point or is ignorant enough of the state of politics where they should forfeit their vote. This hasn't been true in long enough that it is almost like saying 'But I thought the Democrats supported slavery..."

Back in 2000, W actually openly ran on a platform of big government 'Compassionate Conservatism'. Small government was only the ideal of a small part of the party. The rest only liked them when it meant slowing down Democrat plans.

The remarkable thing about our Democrat friends is that even when the Republicans were in complete control and spending whole hog, it never occurred to them that maybe they might pretend small government/federalism was a good idea.

[unixronin.livejournal.com]

Point of information: Miche is a Kiwi. I believe she probably has a better knowledge of US politics than most Americans (myself included) do of New Zealand politics.

[fruitylips.livejournal.com]

I did include ignorant as an option. I suspect you and I wouldn't bother to try to comment on the specifics of NZ politics given our self recognized lack of knowledge on the topic...

[micheinnz.livejournal.com]

I'm a New Zealander. I have no US vote to forfeit. I am also not trying to score "cheap points".

The Republicans have sold and sold and sold themselves as the party of small government. This was genuine cognitive dissonance.