The New York Times’ circulation is down almost 9% over last year, but that good old Gray Lady just keeps on churning out the stories about our nation’s recovery under Obama.This one is great reading, too.

The first sentence alone brings to mind writing advice from author William Faulkner, who used the phrase “Kill your darlings”. (Advice also recommended by Stephen King by the way). Faulkner’s intent was to warn writers that at times they were going to put words to paper that they thought just sounded so damn good. Unfortunately, the person writing the words is the only fan. Everyone else recognizes it for someone who is trying real hard to make themselves sound smart. Hence the first sentence of the New York times piece, by Peter S. Goodman:

PORTLAND, Ore. — The docks are humming again at this sprawling Pacific port, with clouds of golden dust billowing off the piles of grain spilling into the bellies of giant tankers.

Oh, Mr. Goodman… some publisher or famous agent is just waiting for you to write the next great fiction novel. Who wouldn’t with words like that, in a plain old news story to boot?

Unfortunately, I wonder if the 750 people who are actually in New York, who are standing in line, some having pitched tents, for a $15 an hour job as an elevator repair man, are in agreement with you? I can just see them all sitting there, each holding a copy of your story, with great smiles of relief on their faces.

“Look Bob!” John says. “Golden dust is billowing off the piles of grain! Jobs are coming our way!”

John, after giving his friend a lively punch in the shoulder, says, “You’re right, Bob! Thank goodness for Mr. Goodman, and God bless us all, the recovery is here!”

“Don’t forget to grab your tent when you leave,” Bob says.

CNN video of the job hunter’s below…no telling if Bob and John are still in line.