One of George Orwell’s most chilling images was that of a totalitarian government that succeeded in convincing people their oppressed existence was the opposite of what it was.

“War is Peace,” the ruling party insisted in Orwell’s novel 1984, “Freedom is Slavery” and “Ignorance is Strength.”

On Tuesday evening, speaking in Durham, N.C., White House adviser and close Chicago friend of the Obamas Valerie Jarrett took the argument that government spending is “good for the economy” to a new level.

Referring to unemployment benefits, Jarrett contended that “people who receive that unemployment check go out and spend it and help stimulate the economy,” which is “healthy” for the economy.

Being such an insult to the millions of Americans now seeking work, Jarrett’s claim has attracted plenty of attention. But it’s nothing new for this White House.

Last summer, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney lectured Wall Street Journal reporter Laura Meckler for not knowing it “as part of the entrance exam” that jobless benefits are “one of the most direct ways to infuse money directly into the economy because people who are unemployed and obviously aren’t running a paycheck are going to spend the money that they get.”…. READ IT ALL AT THE SITE