Greenspan Comments

Meanwhile, back at the office, my assistant Tonya just walked in and told me that she knows me better than I know myself, and that if I’d spend more time with her, she’d enlighten me on me. I told her she is not unlike many of the other women in my life—convinced of their numinous insight into my complexity. She then told me what to wear to several of my meetings this week, informed me that I need more sleep, and threatened to throw away my little paper phone book.

“You are the best, Tonya,” I laughed.

Then I asked why she hadn’t told me about the Greenspan comments.

“Because I don’t think they are a big deal.”

I told her I’d decide the significance of the remarks, and reminded her that I asked her to always tell me when Greenspan said anything.

“OK, fine,” she said. “Greenspan made comments on ABC’s “This Week.” He said Friday’s jobs report was awful. He is not in favor of additional stimulus. He finds it debatable how effective the current stimulus has been and is concerned about extended periods of unemployment as it erodes skills. Additionally, he sees Q3 GDP growth over 2.5%.”

“I know,” I told her.

“Well then why did you ask?”

Because I wanted to be sure we construed the information the same way.

“What is my schedule this week?” I asked.

“I haven’t decided yet,” she faded.

I turned to look and she was gone.