Comparisons

In order to have valid comparisons, you need equal variables. That is a no brainer. Our economy has drastically changed due to unforeseen circumstances. Comparing statistics from previous years gives a false sense of being. Yes, unemployment is at its highest. That is because people are not allowed to go to their jobs. The economy is dipping. Yes, because people without jobs spend less. Stores are closing. Yes, because if you are forced to shut down your business, how do you make money? How can journalists compare to previous "regimes" when the variables do not match? Articles that make those comparisons do a disservice to the public. It is like charting blisters on your feet. If one person is barefoot walking on sharp rocks, his feet will blister. If we do a comparison with a second person who is walking through the same rocks wearing socks and work boots, the outcome is not real. We cannot blame the shoeless man, can we?