Food Bank Shortages

[linda22003]

That's anecdotal. A recession has a common definition of two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth, and that's not the current situation. A general slowdown and persistent feeling of "malaise" does not mean recession.

[LogansPapa]

More "anecdotal",

Food banks face high costs but feeding more people

By EVELYN NIEVES – May 26, 2008

STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) — Jackie Hoffman sifted through a laundry bin filled with aging bread, choosing a loaf of white.

Like nearly a third of the first 50 customers to arrive at the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton that morning, Hoffman was new to the pantry. But since she lost her sales job at a local newspaper in December, she has not found work in Stockton, which has the highest foreclosure rate in the country and a hurting job market.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h...2lMswD90TIJLG0

[linda22003]

it's definitely a slowdown. But throwing the word "recession" around doesn't make it so.

[LogansPapa]

it's definitely a slowdown. But throwing the word "recession" around doesn't make it so.

So, like the word "quagmire" used to describe Rumsfeld’s war in Iraq - if we simply don’t use a certain word it makes the situation less icky?

[JB]

Because of things like this? <snip>

That doesn't mean the country is in a recession. Just because you mistakenly use that word doesn't mean it is.

[biccat]

So, like the word "quagmire" used to describe Rumsfeld’s war in Iraq - if we simply don’t use a certain word it makes the situation less icky?

Except Iraq is not a quagmire, and the economy is not in a recession.

A better example might be your use of the phrase "I support the troops." We all know it's a complete fabrication, but somehow you're allowed to stay despite your disdain for those who choose to serve their country.

[linda22003]

So, like the word "quagmire" used to describe Rumsfeld’s war in Iraq - if we simply don’t use a certain word it makes the situation less icky?

No, I'm just saying that words mean something, and shouldn't be thrown around just because they sound good. Some people here throw around the word "treason" on anything they don't happen to like. Something that really is treasonous has to fit certain criteria, otherwise it's just people being melodramatic for effect. Same thing with your use of "recession".