Shifting the blame for a grim outlook

The mind-set created by the myth of a recession-proof new economy proved a disastrous preparation for the sudden sharp downturn in the world economy. Rattled US corporates have been blaming their poor figures on the American terrorist atrocities. Admittedly certain sectors have been hard hit, but none of them had been in rude health before. Nonetheless the outrages will now be a catalyst for further economic deterioration.

One of the most reviled figures in the UK today is Jo Moore, a government press adviser in the department of transport, local government and the regions. On September 11, minutes after hijacked aircraft struck the World Trade Centre, the quick-thinking Moore circulated a now infamous email. It suggested that the government seize the moment to publish any bad news, since it would get lost in coverage of the unfolding atrocity. “It’s now a very good day to get out anything we want to bury,” Moore advised.

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