Those at the top of the chain, who benefit from the "strong" economy, have an intrinsic motivation to suggest that things are going just great. Many in Washingt

Those at the top of the chain, who benefit from the "strong" economy, have an intrinsic motivation to suggest that things are going just great. Many in Washington are either suckling the teats of the wealthy through campaign finance / lobbying, or hyper-rich from investments (and other forms of economic parasitism)—providing a great deal of motivation for decision makers in US government to not give a shit.