> Why is it SOP on HN to downvote/chastise those who claim US economic numbers are fabricated, or post zerohedge/shadowstats links, yet fully embrace the notion

> Why is it SOP on HN to downvote/chastise those who claim US economic numbers are fabricated, or post zerohedge/shadowstats links, yet fully embrace the notion of the PRC is doing it? Because even if the U.S was doing it, it would be minor fudging. If China is doing it, it's almost wholly fabricated and un-reflective of reality. The U.S has plenty of independent verification of its numbers, and tons of channels for oversight. China literally has no oversight. Their government is the end-all, be-all. The alpha and omega. They don't have any oversight whatsoever. Their government runs the media (that's not an exaggeration, they literally own the news agencies) as well, so you don't get for-profit news organizations who would love nothing more than an economic controversy of that scale to come out so they could report on it and make loads of cash. Basically, the entire premise is silly if you just use a little critical thinking.