Aggrieved By Prosperity

The New York Times can't help but acknowledge the zippy U.S. economy - which has defied hurricanes, overseas wars, and energy panics to come up big in terms of growth and consumer confidence. But nary a paragraph after using the word "booming" to describe the situation, newbie staff reporter Vikas Bajaj loosens his fly and takes aim at this sunny bowl of economic Cheerios . Read it to yourself in a serious Frontline baritone:

But as always with the United States economy, it is not quite that simple. For every encouraging sign, there is an explanation and concern for the future.

You see, there are reasons why the economy is booming, so don't get all excited or complacent with the folks in power. And besides, there are concerns for the future. Woo, boy. Don't let your anxiety down! We still got lotsa stuff to worry about.

Really, somebody should teach a class on writing like the New York Times. When their favorite political party is in power every scrap of bad news get buried in the A section. But when the other guys are in charge good news is fastidiously ignored in hopes that it will disappear. If it doesn't, it is presented in the darkest possible tone, with all caveats and "it's more complicated" modifiers. The formula is simple, but it takes a deft hand when it comes to execution. Welcome to the Gloom Squad, Vikas!

To the substance of the matter: Yes, it would seem like things are going swimmingly, given our recent run of hurricane luck. Lets see how this new Fed chairman pans out. And lets see how successful this administration is at making tax cuts permanent. And lets nip any potential energy problems in the bud before they blossom, and take a clue from Tony, and dust off the plans for building more nukes. (Hey, even former hippie and atomic refusenik Stuart Brand has recently gotten wise.)