According to one estimate, U.S. employment growth is 7.7 million workers below where it should be at this point in the typical business cycle recovery.
So what explains why we aren’t seeing normal jobs growth? Is outsourcing to blame? Lingering aftereffects from the excesses of the late 90s? Above average employment costs (health care, pensions)? Government red ink?
Morgan Stanley’s Steve Roach and Dick Berner debate, you read.
Edwards Tops Bush
CNN/USA Today/Gallup national poll on head-to-head matchup:
Edwards 49
Bush 48
Sample: 562 likely voters.
S.C. Democrats Drop Primary Oath
Citing wide-spread confusion, the South Carolina Democratic Party has dropped the requirement that voters take an oath to vote in today’s primary. The proposed oath required voters to sign to the following: “I consider myself to be a Democrat.”
South Carolina Republicans and Independents are now free (and encouraged) to vote for Senator John Edwards.
Wacky Warnings
M-LAW announces the winners of the Seventh Annual Wacky Warning Label Contest. It reminds us that one best not use a product if he or she cannot read the warning not to use the product.
Via The Volokh Conspiracy.
Too Bad
Despite shelling out $51,000 to park their rigs near the San Mateo County courthouse, TV networks will not be allowed to broadcast the trial. So all they’re going to get for their money is more convenient access to the outside of the building.
Normally, I’m fine with cameras in the courtroom. But where, as here, the media circus has hyped a case beyond any sense of reality, the judge has the discretion to try to get things under control.
FCC in Action
Just a few months ago the FCC was complicit in corporate America’s attempt to consolidate the media into a few hands. But in a flash last night the commission suddenly rediscovered its mission to promote the public interest.
There’s some amazing power in Janet Jackson’s boob, isn’t there?