When politicians talk about the U.S. economy, skepticism is in order as the meaning of words shifts.The media is heralding President Obama’s new optimistic tone when addressing the economy. Most recently he said,“If we are keeping focus on all the fundamentally sound aspects of our economy – all the outstanding companies, workers, all the innovation and dynamism in this economy – then we are going to get through this. And I’m very confident about that." (Emphasis added.)Back on last September 15, John McCain said, and probably later wished he hadn’t, that, "Our economy, I think still—the fundamentals of our economy are strong." Even further back, on July 15, 2008, then President Bush said, "We can have confidence in the long term foundation of our economy.  And I believe we will come through this challenge stronger than ever before."Okay, so the fundamentals of this oft-voiced theme are sound, and the sound comes...(Read Full Post)