Please explain how "state spending has nearly doubled under the guidance of Governor Richardson[.]"

Even using nominal numbers as you do, which is grossly misleading and a practice suited only for the innumerate, going from almost 4 billion to less than 6 billion is, uh, nearly double? Um, no. Using normal people math: 6 - 4 = 2. That's less than a 50% increase, not the 100% necessary for something to "double."

Furthermore, when you adjust the numbers, fully half of the increase from 2002-2007 comes directly from the CPI, or core inflation, the most conservative inflation measure there is and one which ignores energy costs completely. Additionally, if we measured the CPI today the same way we did 25 years ago under Volcker, inflation would be double the official rate.

Throw in the precipitous decline in the value of the dollar since 2002 and you start to get a very different picture than the one you attempt to portray. Hyperventilating about nominal numbers might fool a couple ignoramuses out there but it does little for your credibility.
East Ghost | 08.08.08 - 6:20 am | #