Tom the Dancing Bug by Ruben Bolling for April 20, 2002

Transcript:

Tom the Dancing Bug by Ruben Bolling The Bush Administration Players Present: Adam Smith & The Genius of Capitalism 1775 Maid: You're working awfully late tonight, sir. Adam: Yes, it's my theory of laissez-faire capitalism! Maid: What's that? Adam: The wealth of a nation is best served by letting MARKETS run the economy... ...with no GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE. Maid: Hmm...but suppose there's a limited liability corporation... Adam: They don't EXIST yet! This is the 18th century! Maid: Okay, but if they DID exist...say it's an energy trading company... Adam: What the devil is a... Maid: Just go with me. Say its primary business is paying off government officials to get favorable legislation. Adam: Okay... Maid: Let's say funds get funneled to executives while auditors are paid off to hide losses... Adam: Yes... Maid: Then the company goes bankrupt in a way that enriches executives but impoverishes shareholders and investors. Adam: Sounds to ME like... Adam: ...an OPTIMAL RESULT for creating a nation's WEALTH! Maid: It's the genius of YOUR CAPITALISM! NEXT The free-market genius of the government handing over billions to bail out the airlines. Adam: Genius! Er...what's an airline?