ASA Connect

This recent item of information: Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets

Can be read and interpreted as we did with the Rorschach inkblot test, to assess personality and psychological characteristics. 

Enjoy and keep safe/jorge.

An action straight out of the authoritarian playbook of a wannabe "president for life". I post here the response from the American Association for Public Opinion Research through its president Jordon Peugh. Have I missed the ASA's response?

Cheers - Dominic

August 2, 2025

On behalf of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), we write to express deep concern regarding the removal of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Erika McEntarfer, in response to the recent downward revisions in job numbers for May and June. In a robust and transparent statistical system, corrections are an inherent and expected part of the measurement process. As a professional association dedicated to the integrity and quality of research and data collection, AAPOR emphasizes that sound statistical systems must be able to revise and improve upon earlier estimates without political interference. Revisions to employment data occur routinely and are the result of additional reports received from businesses and government agencies, as well as ongoing refinements in seasonal adjustments. These processes are not signs of failure; they are essential features of a scientific approach to national measurement.

It is appropriate to ask whether current methodologies remain robust, and whether they need refinement in light of observed anomalies. Continuous evaluation and modernization of our statistical systems are vital to maintaining public trust. If flaws in the process are identified, new or improved methods should be considered. However, when the established and transparent procedures are followed, as is believed to be the case here, revisions alone are not valid grounds for personnel changes.

Undermining statistical leadership in response to expected and disclosed revisions risks politicizing federal statistics and damaging the credibility of institutions whose independence is foundational to democracy and good governance. We echo the sentiments expressed by the Data Foundation in their recent statement: trust in federal statistics is preserved not through perfection, but through transparency, methodological rigor, and a willingness to update and revise in full public view. 

We urge that any concerns with the employment data revisions be addressed through a nonpartisan, professional review of the measurement process and its continued suitability-not through punitive actions against those who have followed established protocols. A careful and evidence-based investigation into the methodology and operations of the BLS is the proper step to safeguard both accuracy and public confidence.

AAPOR stands ready to assist in promoting data integrity and supporting efforts to ensure our federal statistical agencies continue to operate with independence, transparency, and professionalism.

This recent item of information: Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets

Can be read and interpreted as we did with the Rorschach inkblot test, to assess personality and psychological characteristics. 

Enjoy and keep safe/jorge.

An action straight out of the authoritarian playbook of a wannabe "president for life". I post here the response from the American Association for Public Opinion Research through its president Jordon Peugh. Have I missed the ASA's response?

Cheers - Dominic

August 2, 2025

On behalf of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), we write to express deep concern regarding the removal of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Erika McEntarfer, in response to the recent downward revisions in job numbers for May and June. In a robust and transparent statistical system, corrections are an inherent and expected part of the measurement process. As a professional association dedicated to the integrity and quality of research and data collection, AAPOR emphasizes that sound statistical systems must be able to revise and improve upon earlier estimates without political interference. Revisions to employment data occur routinely and are the result of additional reports received from businesses and government agencies, as well as ongoing refinements in seasonal adjustments. These processes are not signs of failure; they are essential features of a scientific approach to national measurement.

It is appropriate to ask whether current methodologies remain robust, and whether they need refinement in light of observed anomalies. Continuous evaluation and modernization of our statistical systems are vital to maintaining public trust. If flaws in the process are identified, new or improved methods should be considered. However, when the established and transparent procedures are followed, as is believed to be the case here, revisions alone are not valid grounds for personnel changes.

Undermining statistical leadership in response to expected and disclosed revisions risks politicizing federal statistics and damaging the credibility of institutions whose independence is foundational to democracy and good governance. We echo the sentiments expressed by the Data Foundation in their recent statement: trust in federal statistics is preserved not through perfection, but through transparency, methodological rigor, and a willingness to update and revise in full public view. 

We urge that any concerns with the employment data revisions be addressed through a nonpartisan, professional review of the measurement process and its continued suitability-not through punitive actions against those who have followed established protocols. A careful and evidence-based investigation into the methodology and operations of the BLS is the proper step to safeguard both accuracy and public confidence.

AAPOR stands ready to assist in promoting data integrity and supporting efforts to ensure our federal statistical agencies continue to operate with independence, transparency, and professionalism.

This recent item of information: Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets

Can be read and interpreted as we did with the Rorschach inkblot test, to assess personality and psychological characteristics. 

Enjoy and keep safe/jorge.

All good points here.  Note also that the same kind of thing is happening in public health, and probably many other areas.  CDC also seems to be suppressing information on emerging avian influenza on farms. 

Let's also be clear that we know what it takes to have trustworthy statistical data.  The Committee on National Statistics recently published the 8^th edition of Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency, which demonstrates the invaluable role that relevant, timely, accurate, and trustworthy government statistics play in a democratic system of government, and to provides support and guidance to the federal agencies that produce them.  Critically, Principle #4 is independence from political and other undue external influence.

Let's hope that not just the ASA president but the entire organization follow AAPOR's lead and publish a strong statement.

An action straight out of the authoritarian playbook of a wannabe "president for life". I post here the response from the American Association for Public Opinion Research through its president Jordon Peugh. Have I missed the ASA's response?

Cheers - Dominic

August 2, 2025

On behalf of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), we write to express deep concern regarding the removal of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Erika McEntarfer, in response to the recent downward revisions in job numbers for May and June. In a robust and transparent statistical system, corrections are an inherent and expected part of the measurement process. As a professional association dedicated to the integrity and quality of research and data collection, AAPOR emphasizes that sound statistical systems must be able to revise and improve upon earlier estimates without political interference. Revisions to employment data occur routinely and are the result of additional reports received from businesses and government agencies, as well as ongoing refinements in seasonal adjustments. These processes are not signs of failure; they are essential features of a scientific approach to national measurement.

It is appropriate to ask whether current methodologies remain robust, and whether they need refinement in light of observed anomalies. Continuous evaluation and modernization of our statistical systems are vital to maintaining public trust. If flaws in the process are identified, new or improved methods should be considered. However, when the established and transparent procedures are followed, as is believed to be the case here, revisions alone are not valid grounds for personnel changes.

Undermining statistical leadership in response to expected and disclosed revisions risks politicizing federal statistics and damaging the credibility of institutions whose independence is foundational to democracy and good governance. We echo the sentiments expressed by the Data Foundation in their recent statement: trust in federal statistics is preserved not through perfection, but through transparency, methodological rigor, and a willingness to update and revise in full public view. 

We urge that any concerns with the employment data revisions be addressed through a nonpartisan, professional review of the measurement process and its continued suitability-not through punitive actions against those who have followed established protocols. A careful and evidence-based investigation into the methodology and operations of the BLS is the proper step to safeguard both accuracy and public confidence.

AAPOR stands ready to assist in promoting data integrity and supporting efforts to ensure our federal statistical agencies continue to operate with independence, transparency, and professionalism.

This recent item of information: Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets

Can be read and interpreted as we did with the Rorschach inkblot test, to assess personality and psychological characteristics. 

Enjoy and keep safe/jorge.

All good points here.  Note also that the same kind of thing is happening in public health, and probably many other areas.  CDC also seems to be suppressing information on emerging avian influenza on farms. 

Let's also be clear that we know what it takes to have trustworthy statistical data.  The Committee on National Statistics recently published the 8^th edition of Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency, which demonstrates the invaluable role that relevant, timely, accurate, and trustworthy government statistics play in a democratic system of government, and to provides support and guidance to the federal agencies that produce them.  Critically, Principle #4 is independence from political and other undue external influence.

Let's hope that not just the ASA president but the entire organization follow AAPOR's lead and publish a strong statement.

An action straight out of the authoritarian playbook of a wannabe "president for life". I post here the response from the American Association for Public Opinion Research through its president Jordon Peugh. Have I missed the ASA's response?

Cheers - Dominic

August 2, 2025

On behalf of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), we write to express deep concern regarding the removal of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Erika McEntarfer, in response to the recent downward revisions in job numbers for May and June. In a robust and transparent statistical system, corrections are an inherent and expected part of the measurement process. As a professional association dedicated to the integrity and quality of research and data collection, AAPOR emphasizes that sound statistical systems must be able to revise and improve upon earlier estimates without political interference. Revisions to employment data occur routinely and are the result of additional reports received from businesses and government agencies, as well as ongoing refinements in seasonal adjustments. These processes are not signs of failure; they are essential features of a scientific approach to national measurement.

It is appropriate to ask whether current methodologies remain robust, and whether they need refinement in light of observed anomalies. Continuous evaluation and modernization of our statistical systems are vital to maintaining public trust. If flaws in the process are identified, new or improved methods should be considered. However, when the established and transparent procedures are followed, as is believed to be the case here, revisions alone are not valid grounds for personnel changes.

Undermining statistical leadership in response to expected and disclosed revisions risks politicizing federal statistics and damaging the credibility of institutions whose independence is foundational to democracy and good governance. We echo the sentiments expressed by the Data Foundation in their recent statement: trust in federal statistics is preserved not through perfection, but through transparency, methodological rigor, and a willingness to update and revise in full public view. 

We urge that any concerns with the employment data revisions be addressed through a nonpartisan, professional review of the measurement process and its continued suitability-not through punitive actions against those who have followed established protocols. A careful and evidence-based investigation into the methodology and operations of the BLS is the proper step to safeguard both accuracy and public confidence.

AAPOR stands ready to assist in promoting data integrity and supporting efforts to ensure our federal statistical agencies continue to operate with independence, transparency, and professionalism.

This recent item of information: Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets

Can be read and interpreted as we did with the Rorschach inkblot test, to assess personality and psychological characteristics. 

Enjoy and keep safe/jorge.

An action straight out of the authoritarian playbook of a wannabe "president for life". I post here the response from the American Association for Public Opinion Research through its president Jordon Peugh. Have I missed the ASA's response?

Cheers - Dominic

August 2, 2025

On behalf of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), we write to express deep concern regarding the removal of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Erika McEntarfer, in response to the recent downward revisions in job numbers for May and June. In a robust and transparent statistical system, corrections are an inherent and expected part of the measurement process. As a professional association dedicated to the integrity and quality of research and data collection, AAPOR emphasizes that sound statistical systems must be able to revise and improve upon earlier estimates without political interference. Revisions to employment data occur routinely and are the result of additional reports received from businesses and government agencies, as well as ongoing refinements in seasonal adjustments. These processes are not signs of failure; they are essential features of a scientific approach to national measurement.

It is appropriate to ask whether current methodologies remain robust, and whether they need refinement in light of observed anomalies. Continuous evaluation and modernization of our statistical systems are vital to maintaining public trust. If flaws in the process are identified, new or improved methods should be considered. However, when the established and transparent procedures are followed, as is believed to be the case here, revisions alone are not valid grounds for personnel changes.

Undermining statistical leadership in response to expected and disclosed revisions risks politicizing federal statistics and damaging the credibility of institutions whose independence is foundational to democracy and good governance. We echo the sentiments expressed by the Data Foundation in their recent statement: trust in federal statistics is preserved not through perfection, but through transparency, methodological rigor, and a willingness to update and revise in full public view. 

We urge that any concerns with the employment data revisions be addressed through a nonpartisan, professional review of the measurement process and its continued suitability-not through punitive actions against those who have followed established protocols. A careful and evidence-based investigation into the methodology and operations of the BLS is the proper step to safeguard both accuracy and public confidence.

AAPOR stands ready to assist in promoting data integrity and supporting efforts to ensure our federal statistical agencies continue to operate with independence, transparency, and professionalism.

This recent item of information: Trump fires commissioner of labor statistics after weaker-than-expected jobs figures slam markets

Can be read and interpreted as we did with the Rorschach inkblot test, to assess personality and psychological characteristics. 

Enjoy and keep safe/jorge.