The news last week from the National Bureau of Economic Research (known as the official referee of the economy) was that the recession ended 15 months ago in June, 2009. I was so relieved to hear this news that I called all my friends, clients, fellow commercial real estate brokers to make sure they knew about this. Then I called all my banker connections to tell them it was ok to start loaning money again. After that, I called every business owner I know and told them it was ok to start hiring again. After the laughter died down I wondered to myself whether I had mis-read the report. Then I remembered something about government propaganda and an upcoming election cycle with Obama’s Chief Economic Advisor (Larry Summers) bailing this week along with the announcement that his Chief of Staff Rehm Emanual escaping to run for Chicago Mayor, this administration may be about to see the wheels fall off. Lies and propaganda are a last ditch effort to save themselves. I usually don’t believe everything I read but I don’t believe ANYTHING coming out of the White House these days. How about you?