Body of Work

I have noticed a trend in reporting that focuses upon specific acts  or statements which are then used to arrive at a larger conclusion about that persons intentions. Often the acts or statements are out of context and when examined in the light of their "body of work" are clearly intended to portray an facade to a specific group of people, usually for the intention of getting reelected or encouraging support from their base of support. 

I have been amazed at how quickly people grasp at these singular acts to justify a candidate's position which, when examined further, are not supported by actions. 

Here is an example from the State of the Union Address. The New York Times reports: 

“We will always protect your Medicare and your Social Security always.”

This is misleading. 

Not only has President Trump failed to strengthen Medicare and Social Security, but the financial outlook for both trusts has not improved or worsened. That is at least partly the result of Mr. Trump’s tax law, which has left the Treasury Department to collect fewer taxes from Americans and, in turn, invest less money into each program. Last April, the government projected that Medicare funds would be depleted by 2026, three years earlier than estimated in 2017. The report noted that less money will flow into the fund because of low wages and lower taxes. 

And interesting observation--what was said is starkly different from reality. 


And another item from the New York Times analysis of the State of the Union address.

“The U.S.M.C.A. will create nearly 100,000 new high-paying American auto jobs.”

This is false.

The nonpartisan International Trade Commission has estimated that the agreement would create about 28,000 jobs in the auto sector. President Trump’s own United States trade representative has a higher estimate — 76,000 new jobs in the next five years — but still one that falls short of Mr. Trump’s claims today. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement raises barriers to imported cars and car parts in an effort to encourage auto manufacturing in the United States, which results in some job gains. But in so doing, it will also raise the price of American cars and other vehicles, and lower both vehicle consumption and production, economists say.

Everything needs context. Especially in an election year.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD