Unemployment

We all understand that the government has an interest in minimizing the impact of unemployment as it relates to its own re-electability. We understand that the monthly unemployment numbers have been tenderized, marinated, dry-rubbed, seared,slow cooked and vulcanized.

It's when an organization like Gallup goes so far as to drop a hint that unemployment as will be reported in early September WILL be going up:

Regardless, barring heroic adjustments or a sharp change in direction, Gallup data suggest the seasonally adjusted U.S. unemployment rate for August will increase -- possibly substantially -- when announced in early September.

And with an election staring them in the face the government sues, if anyone had any doubts about the veracity of the BLS numbers they should be well and truly dispelled by now.

FWIW, Billlls informal freeway employment survey has noted that the daily commute has gotten easier this month.