I came across a series of columns by Thomas Sowell posted last week. He discusses how politicians play to voters emotional responses to things like current gas prices, the U.S. economy or the housing market problems. Giving the appearance that these economic things are too complex to understand when in fact they are not.

Here is the quoted part 1 to the column Too “Complex”?

(click ‘more’ to finish reading the column and links to all 3 parts):

Too “Complex”?
Thomas Sowell
Tuesday, May 13, 2008

“Some people think that the reason the public misunderstands so many issues is that these issues are too “complex” for most voters. But is that really so?

With all the commotion in the media and in politics about the high price of gasoline, is there really some terribly complex explanation?

Is there anything complex about the fact that with two countries– India and China– having rapid economic growth, and with combined populations 8 times that of the United States, they are creating an increased demand for the world’s oil supply?

The problem is not that supply and demand is such a complex explanation. The problem is that supply and demand is not an emotionally satisfying explanation. For that, you need (more…)

The latest daily talking points the media seems to be harping on is the so-called impending doom of a recession. While I try to stay away from politics and the economy in this blog (for my own sanity), I just had to broach this topic.

I’m tired of hearing the media/pundits scream and pout that a recession is on the horizon or already here in the U.S. While I don’t claim to be any sort of financial expert (far from it), I think I have enough common sense and basic business/economics acumen to see most signs do not point down the recession road as much as they would like us to think.

Even the curmudgeon Andy Rooney, who is the definition of a pessemist, said last night on “60 Minutes” that he doesn’t think there is a recession, while at the same time making fun of the Wall Street Journal.

“I don’t know anything about economics but I don’t think what we’re in is a Depression - or even a recession - whatever the difference is.”

Ironically today’s commentary essentially agrees with Mr. Rooney’s statement that we are not in a recession.

Check out “The Economy Is Fine (Really)” in today’s Wall Street Journal by Brian Wesbury. Brian is chief economist for First Trust Portfolios, L.P. here in Chicagoland. A common sense approach is needed when evaluating today’s US economy. This commentary summed it up concisely in my opinion.

The Wall Street Journal had an interesting write up today about the airlines padding schedules to allow for the congestion in the skies delaying flights. Flying out of Chicago-O’Hare (ORD) I see this all the time. Of course the main reason I recommend this article is my good friend and college roomate who works for Southwest Airlines is quoted in it. Nothing like bragging on my friends quoted in the WSJ!

For the first time in my current job, I have read about my company being a takeover target. Not just rumors, but legitimate scenarios that could play out in the coming days or months. It is something that I am not surprised about and frankly have expected for some time. Even though the prospects of change abound and uncertainty is growing, it really does not concern me. Not to say that the possibility of a takeover directly affecting me doesn’t cross my mind. I trust that God will provide and direct me in the right path whether at my current company or not.

Working in the Dilbertesque world of corporate America, I have noticed one of the more annoying habits that working with the same people day-in, day-out creates: Group Speak. My definition of it is picking up bad speaking or writing habits from co-workers. Some are subtle, some not so subtle. Most of the time it’s a habit that a person is not aware of and/or have picked up from someone else. I am just as guilty as anyone for picking up these habits or unknowingly spreading my own.

When I notice these querks in other people they are funny and sometimes a bit annoying depending on the situation. For instance, the overuse of the word “so”. I’m not talking about using the word at appropriate times, but in the most ridiculous instances. In this case, using the word “so” at the beginning of every sentence! It doesn’t end there. Some are a long drawn out “soooooo” or a quick fire “so… so… so…” or speaking only in incomplete sentences beginning each fragment with “so”. After I notice it, I can’t stop noticing it!

So… at least it’s a source of entertainment in an otherwise boring situation. So… I suppose all of this reveals a lot about how people can be easily influenced.