# February jobs report **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [March 9, 2018, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310 "2018-03-09T23:35:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Ace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/6bbea6/32.png) [@Johnny\_Ace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Ace)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/81 "2018-03-12T05:17:49Z")
Yeah, every once in a while he gives us a glimpse into his true character, then tries to walk it back so it sounds more PC. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/82 "2018-03-12T07:20:37Z")
Did this turn into a Pitting? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/83 "2018-03-12T07:29:40Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > BTW, this is false (at least according to [a 2015 YouGov poll](https://today.yougov.com/news/2015/02/24/obama-patriotism/)): > [@](#): > > …Join YouGov to take part in interesting surveys and earn points and rewards!.. Just the thing I expect to see in a serious and methodical statistical study! ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/84 "2018-03-12T08:26:15Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Just the thing I expect to see in a serious and methodical statistical study! If you’ve got a better cite, please share it. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/85 "2018-03-12T09:55:29Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The February jobs report was very good, showing [the economy added 313,000 jobs](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/09/upshot/jobs-report-economy-sweet-spot.html). This is the sort of news that I’m sure is met with delight in the White House (and I suspect with dismay by more than a few Dopers). Only [in the Pit](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=20839711&postcount=231) can I respond appropriately to that parenthetical. > [@](#): > > Trump seems to be having a very good start to his second year: Did you see his speech in Pennsylvania the other night? Yeah, great start, if total and complete lunacy is your idea of ‘good.’ ---
**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/86 "2018-03-12T10:18:40Z")
I’m still curious who these “mystery” Dopers are that actually hate good news for Americans. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/87 "2018-03-12T11:57:52Z")
Yes, we know you love to praise this guy who bragged about violating the consent of teenage girls, **HurricaneDitka**. But thanks for reminding us once again. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/88 "2018-03-12T14:35:20Z")
> [@Ravenman](#): > > … But he’s also suffering from the symptoms of bad math. If he pays, say, $7,000 in local taxes, his deduction of those taxes would probably amount to $1,500 less in Federal income taxes that he owes. If I in a high tax state pay $12,000 in taxes, I’m probably paying about $2,400 less in Federal taxes because of the deduction (even under the old SALT rules). > > But… I’m still paying WAY more in taxes than he is, to the tune of several thousand dollars. Listening to his rationalizations, you’d think that I was getting away with murder, when in fact I’m still paying a lot more in taxes because of where I live. … If the rule is to be that we can’t possibly have subsidized those who paid the most in taxes (which appears to be what you’re advocating), then a bunch of people need to lay off the 1%ers. Because “Listening to [the Dem’s] rationalizations, you’d think that [they were] getting away with murder, when in fact [they’re] still paying a lot more in taxes” ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/89 "2018-03-12T16:19:32Z")
> [@Johnny\_Ace](#): > > Yeah, every once in a while he gives us a glimpse into his true character, then tries to walk it back so it sounds more PC. > [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Yes, we know you love to praise this guy who bragged about violating the consent of teenage girls, **HurricaneDitka**. But thanks for reminding us once again. This thread is about a the February jobs report, it’s impact on the electoral landscape, reactions to it, etc. It’s not about violating consent of teenage girls, nor about anyone’s true character whatever that means. If it’s too difficult to refrain from personalizing commentary in your posts, you know where you can engage to your heart’s content - but it’s not in this forum. [/moderating] ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/90 "2018-03-12T16:55:12Z")
I’ve already taken it to the Pit, but to be fair, the subject of Dopers who would be unhappy with the good news in the February jobs report was raised in the OP. Is that subject still fair game in this thread (e.g **Chisquirrel** at post 86)? ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Ace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/6bbea6/32.png) [@Johnny\_Ace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Ace)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/91 "2018-03-12T17:58:37Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > If the rule is to be that we can’t possibly have subsidized those who paid the most in taxes (which appears to be what you’re advocating), then a bunch of people need to lay off the 1%ers. Because “Listening to [the Dem’s] rationalizations, you’d think that [they were] getting away with murder, when in fact [they’re] still paying a lot more in taxes” Still paying a lot more in taxes _on the same income_. Nice attempted distraction, though. Apples and bananas. ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/92 "2018-03-12T19:07:30Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > I’ve already taken it to the Pit, but to be fair, the subject of Dopers who would be unhappy with the good news in the February jobs report was raised in the OP. Is that subject still fair game in this thread (e.g **Chisquirrel** at post 86)? Yes, within the existing rules of the forum. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/93 "2018-03-12T22:17:45Z")
Did Tim McVeigh love America? ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/94 "2018-03-12T22:24:41Z")
nevermind ---
**Author:** ![Bone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bone/32/407_2.png) [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2018, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/95 "2018-03-12T22:36:18Z")
> [@Lemur866](#): > > Did Tim McVeigh love America? This is a warning for harassment. If you want to ride other posters, the Pit is the place to do that. [/moderating] ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2018, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/96 "2018-03-17T02:29:37Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The February jobs report was very good And if any president deserves credit, I’d suggest Obama for leaving the economy in far better shape than how he inherited it. I’d be happy to credit Trump, if anyone can point out something relevant Trump has actually done. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2018, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/97 "2018-03-17T02:52:10Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The February jobs report was very good, showing [the economy added 313,000 jobs](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/09/upshot/jobs-report-economy-sweet-spot.html). This is the sort of news that I’m sure is met with delight in the White House (and I suspect with dismay by more than a few Dopers). Trump seems to be having a very good start to his second year: Market fundamentals, provided by Obama. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2018, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/98 "2018-03-17T17:23:21Z")
Okay, so I am a left leaning doper who is a bit dismayed by the jobs report. It is not because I am a democrat, a liberal, or a doper. It is because I am an employer looking to expand my business, and it is getting harder to find quality candidates as the labor market tightens up. While this is a bit of a problem for me, I see it as a good thing for the country as a whole. But, if we are going to be entirely honest, it would be easier for me to staff my business if jobs were a bit more scarce. I can only assume that that was what the OP was referring to. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2018, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/99 "2018-03-19T14:21:24Z")
> [@HurricaneDitka](#): > > The February jobs report was very good … A _monthly_ job report?? Do you see the silliness? Why not opt for a weekly or daily report — it would give you more opportunity to cherry-pick! Here are the recent _yearly_ job growth figures. As an exercise, see if you can spot the smallest of these seven numbers. - 2.09 million jobs in 2011 - 2.14 million jobs in 2012 - 2.30 million jobs in 2013 - 2.99 million jobs in 2014 - 2.71 million jobs in 2015 - 2.24 million jobs in 2016 - 2.05 million jobs in 2017 Do I conclude that Obama was better for the economy than Trump? No. Do you resort to cherry-picking any little factoid, relevant or not, that makes your guy look good? Yes. ---
**Author:** ![HurricaneDitka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/96bed5/32.png) [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2018, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310/100 "2018-03-19T14:25:48Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > A _monthly_ job report?? Do you see the silliness? Why not opt for a weekly or daily report — it would give you more opportunity to cherry-pick! > > Here are the recent _yearly_ job growth figures. As an exercise, see if you can spot the smallest of these seven numbers. > > - 2.09 million jobs in 2011 > - 2.14 million jobs in 2012 > - 2.30 million jobs in 2013 > - 2.99 million jobs in 2014 > - 2.71 million jobs in 2015 > - 2.24 million jobs in 2016 > - 2.05 million jobs in 2017 > > Do I conclude that Obama was better for the economy than Trump? No. Do you resort to cherry-picking any little factoid, relevant or not, that makes your guy look good? Yes. I’m curious, since you brought up the subject of cherry-picking, why does your yearly list only go back to 2011? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/february-jobs-report/810310.md?page=6)