The current rate of inflation in US according to BLS is under 2% whereas if the pre-1990 official methodology was used, it be 6%. So its straw mans argument to suggest its a massive conspiracy. Everyone knows the methodology used today is doctored to present a better picture of the economy. Its the same with unemployment. US can signify that long term unemployed (27 weeks or more) aren't really looking for work and remove them from the work force to reduce the unemployed on paper. They can specify that anyone working 15 hours or more per week is counted as employed regardless if its a paid position or not. It is what it is.