In response to Gary Gerard's "Is it really as gloomy as they say?" Depending on what Web site you go to, there are other statistics that differ from yours. If we have learned nothing in the last few months, we should have learned that lately the statistics and sometimes even facts seem to vary from party to party.
Statistics just aren't enough anymore. They can be arranged and rearranged and be used to anyone's advantage.
But in regard to your question, "Is it really as gloomy as they say?", I would say that you think not. I would conclude that from where you are sitting it doesn't look quite that gloomy. I would also conclude that you are not looking at the world as many Americans are and perhaps if you were you would see a different picture.
Count your blessings Mr. Gerard, that you are a general manager of a paper and seem to think it truly isn't as bad as "they" say.
Donna Beer
Milford, via e-mail
Editor's Note: The statistics quoted in the column the letter writer references were gleaned from the Census Bureau and the federal Office of Management and Budget. Some statistics also were found at gpoaccess.gov, which provides a monthly compilation of economic information on prices, wages, production, business activity, purchasing power, credit, money and Federal finance.
