Editorial
In our view: Dubious ‘trends’
We recently spotted this interesting quote in a financial news release: “Direct comparisons are not necessarily applicable. You can make some judgments in terms of trends …”
The quote was not from a professional politician, but from the CEO of General Motors Corp., explaining why a $1.2 billion loss last quarter was in fact “good” news for his company. If the budget deficit for 2010 is less than last year’s $1.4 trillion, we may well hear the same thing from professional politicians in the near future.
We may well hear the same type of pronouncement concerning the unemployment rate in 2010. It might be only, say, 9.1 percent instead of today’s 10.2 percent, with predictions of future favorable reductions. Now, if you have a job in 2010 and are making good money, you might favorably receive such predictions concerning unemployment. But if you still are out of work, such a position might fall on deaf ears.
Our first question for the General Motors CEO is: Why are direct comparisons not possible? If your accounting system is an “apples and oranges” system, what use is it to us? After all, since the bailout, we consider ourselves and all the other taxpayers your investors. Without the availability of direct comparisons, why then should we believe in your “judgments in terms of trends”? Let us know, Mr. CEO, when you start making money. That’s really the fundamental issue.
We also note that in the statement by the CEO, he said that the biggest contributor to profits last quarter was from pickup trucks. Hmmm? Does that sound like a wise course to plot future business for automobile manufacturers?
- Editorial
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In our view: Qualified for the job?
Voters in Jasper and Newton counties will be making decisions on several key positions on the local level. Among them are the presiding commissioner races in each of the two counties.
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Voices: Ensuring a safe place
When we think of our community, we want to think that we live in a safe place. This is one reason why people live where they do. On Aug. 3, the city of Neosho will be asking the voters to approve a tax levy that will go to fund city services.
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Voices: Operate ‘leaner’
How gullible do these local businesses think the citizens of Neosho are?
It is quite all right for these businesses to support an increase in property taxes. While they may state that this increase will affect them, it will, in truth, have very little impact upon them. -
Voices: Integrity and work ethic
I am writing this letter in support of William “Bill” White. He has donated countless hours as past president of the Joplin Swim Team, where I was fortunate to serve on the board of directors with him for the last four years.
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Voices: Qualified candidate
Aug. 3 is almost here and we in the 129th District have a very important decision to make.
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Voices: Way of life
Jim Stone’s recent column in The Joplin Globe shares with readers the “need to stop parroting the words of pundits ... to honestly listen to each other ... and pursue a dialogue that actually makes our nation progress.”
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Voices: Missed opportunities
I see the friends of Gary Nodler are out in force now. Of course, the fact that Gary Nodler has been a state senator all this time is not due to any exceptional ability on his part. Rather, no one bothered to challenge him until his term limits ran out.
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Voices: Blunt’s election ads
Congressman Roy Blunt’s political ads promise to “clean up” government and reduce spending that has put the United States in debt. They sound like they are for a “new” candidate.
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Voices: Vote for a fresh face
With the elections drawing near, the ads ramping up, the door bells ringing, the signs are a-flying, and everyone drawing opinions, why would you vote for a fresh face?
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Editor's note: Campaign letters
The Joplin Globe wants to hear from candidates vying in the Aug. 3 election and their supporters and critics.
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