I shit-you-not, this ACTUALLY came out this prick's mouth, as reported in the Hill...

The chairman of President Bush’s council of economic advisers said the country’s gross domestic product would have been positive had it not been for two hurricanes and a strike at Boeing.

The administration announced earlier Thursday that the GDP had dipped 0.3 percent in the third quarter, a reflection of the tough economic situation. Two consecutive quarters of negative growth are the classic definition of a recession, and experts believe the GDP could shrink again in the fourth quarter.

However, Ed Lazear, who chairs the council of economic advisers, said growth would have been positive had it not been for the strike and the hurricanes.

The Boeing strike which began in September and lasted 8 weeks coupled with 2 hurricanes CAUSED a Gross Domestic Product dip in the 3rd quarter? Boeing had only been on strike for 3.5 weeks. 3.5 weeks? I get the devestation in Galveston, okay, I'll buy that, but seriously, blaming the recession, and yes, I mean recession here on workers at a a company with BILLIONS in profits, well, I still can't freaking believe the shit that pours out the mouths of these asses.

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So, it's been delievered to Congress now and President Bush has decided to answer all the complaints about abuses of union activists and flagrant disregard for worker's rights with this amazing statement captured by the AP:

The president disagrees, saying Colombia has addressed the issues.

Disagrees? With who, well, Congress of course:

The agreement, which would tear down trade barriers between the two nations, is heavily opposed by Democrats in Congress. Democrats contend that Colombia has not done enough to halt violence, protect labor activists and demobilize paramilitary organizations.

I suppose the death last week of yet another Colombian union activist is just an example of how far Colombia has come in addressing their issues. Well, I guess if you're a moron, that is.

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