Not Spending Money Boosts The Economy.

http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2010/02/08/daily34.html
Gift cards boosted retail sales slightly in January

Let me get this straight.

Months ago, people paid for gift cards. This was recorded as an increase in sales to prove the economy was improving. This month, the recipients of the gift cards redeemed the gift cards for products. This is also being recorded as sales and used to prove the economy has increased. Even though no money changed hands.

It must be nice to work for the government, where no matter what happens, the activity proves you are correct.