Truth in Numbers

Numbers are often a matter of interpretation. An increase in crime statistics, for example, might actually be good news if the statistics reflect increased enforcement and not increased criminal activity. Whether yesterday's released numbers on counterfeit seizures in the United States reflect better enforcement or a worsening counterfeit flood will require some digging, but the volume is staggering and a bit grim. According to the Associated Press, the United States Government seized over $270 million in counterfeit and pirated goods in 2008. These numbers represent a staggering 38% increase over 2007 numbers. Richard Rocha, a spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and apparently an optimist, credited improved law enforcement collaboration for the increase in counterfeit seizures.