Sunday, July 27, 2008

Ben Stein: Over All, It's Not All That Bad

But how bad is it, really? The economy isn’t at its best. Oil prices are painfully high, foreclosures are really hurtfully high, job growth in many areas is sluggish or worse, and a sector of the credit markets is extremely weak. But over all, it’s not all that bad.

There has not been one down year for the G.D.P. in this decade. There has not been one down quarter, in inflation-adjusted terms, since 2001. Of course, there are truly hard-hit areas around the country. But there are also areas that are booming, in the farming and minerals states and in any area near energy.

What is the future? We will get through all of it. “This great nation will endure as it has endured,” to quote F.D.R. We will then go on to whatever the new problems will be (probably the same as the old problems) and the media will have to find something new to complain about. This is called life.

Today's NY Times

6 Comments:

At 7/27/2008 1:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's always enjoyable to see Felix Salmon rip little Benjy Sunshine to shreds in his Ben Stein Watches.

 
At 7/27/2008 2:11 PM, Blogger juandos said...

Felix Salmon ripped Stein?!?!

How?

By referencing this pinko socialist who's only real claim to fame is being on government proped up PBS and audience losing CNN and CNBC?

 
At 7/27/2008 2:56 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, we've hit a new low of Pollyanna claptrap.

Ben Stein is the the most asinine economic commentator out there. One wonders how the New York Times ever commissioned a column for him.

Just Google "ben stein watch" to find his history of terrible prognostications and penchant for Panglossian pablum.

 
At 7/27/2008 3:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You don't get out much, do you jaundos?

It's all just a misunderstanding...err...a bensteinery:

writing marked by cluelessness about the current situation and dishonest, pervasive Pollyanna-style peddling of "everything is OK" mantra. Such people should probably stick to exposés of organic vegetables

Go find another hat tip for Carpe Diem.

 
At 7/27/2008 3:19 PM, Blogger juandos said...

Well sir, apparently you forgot about Krugman...

"One wonders how the New York Times ever commissioned a column for him"...

Someone has to divert attention and fisking directed at the crack staff of opinion writers that do such a bang up job of enhancing New York Times' bottom line...

 
At 7/28/2008 10:34 PM, Blogger bobble said...

well, ben. to all those that have their retirement assets in the stock market, oops!

to all those that invested their retirement assets in real estate, oops!

but all you neocons will say, too bad, you invested wrong, go somewhere else and die.

 

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