On this day named for Laborers on which we do not Work, it is worth noting that politicians do not create jobs, no matter what they say.
I think Congress should pass the President’s job package, the one he’s been talking about for weeks, the one he will announce and may even give one or two details for, on Thursday. After all, he promised!
Jay Carney, asked if Mr. Obama’s package would drop unemployment below 9%, said, “Based on, when you’re talking about economic predictions, yes. Economic analysts, economists will be able to look at this series of proposals and say that based on history, based on what we know, based on their collective expertise, that it would add to economic growth and cause an increase to job creation.”
Uh huh. Politicians do not create jobs.
Back when she was still boss in 2009, Nancy Pelosi (D – CA) wrote about the final G.R.A.F.T. Act, “This legislation will jumpstart our economy, create and save 3.5 million jobs.” She used the phrase “create jobs” or “create really really outstanding jobs” 41 times.
Uh huh. Politicians do not create jobs.
The site michigan.gov trumpeted that, “Thanks to Governor Granholm’s 21st Century Jobs Fund, this new economy is actually taking shape… The first round of awards has already provided funding to 67 companies and projects, creating thousands of jobs…”
Uh huh. Politicians do not create jobs.
Michigan is closer to the truth. Politicians give away OPM to businesses that create jobs. “OPM” is “Other People’s Money,” something politicians think they have an infinite supply of and that We the [Other] People know is running out.
It is Labor Day and 25 million Americans are still not laboring.
It is Labor Day and we are not laboring because 0 jobs were created last month. Zero. Nada. Zip. None.
It is Labor Day and we are not laboring. Politicians will create no jobs today, either, but they will walk in parades and pretend they have.
In 2009, the White House said President Obama’s stimulus plan would bring unemployment to below 8%.
Uh huh. Politicians do not create jobs.
This column first appeared on Monday, September 7, 2009. I have updated it slightly.
You might also enjoy last year’s Labor Day reminiscence, Milestones