I’ve been a fan of Garry Trudeau’s Doonesbury cartoon since my student days (when, coincidentally, Trudeau was profiling life as a university student).
As any reader of the strip knows, unlike most comic strips the characters in Doonesbury age and move with the times. Today’s times are those of a financial crisis, and once again I’m playing a role–though as analyst and critic rather than participant. Ditto also Trudeau, who has posted a lovely little jibe in today’s Sunday spread. For all those who are exasperated with the spin doctors and debt spruikers who have grown fat while bringing the globe to the economic precipice, I recommend today’s Doonesbury cartoon (Sunday February 21).
February 21st, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Nice to know that Steve has excellent taste in cartoons
.
Since nothing else has worked, I say bring in Duke to fix the economy. And bring back Honey, his always one-step-ahead-of-him assistant.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Geee…..The memories!!!!
I still remember the strips when they founded the Walden Commune!!!
I read them in 1972, in Italy in a publication now disappeared called “Linus” after the Peanuts character !!
One year later I was clashing in the streets with the Police in the ’73 riots started by the attempt of closing down a liberal radio in Bologna…The Italian Govt. tried to send tracked APCs to squash the demonstrations…and we beat them back!!
Cooler heads prevailed…and two years later they started the Anti Terrorists Laws against the Red Brigades..but that’s another story!
I love Doonesbury!!!
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:36 pm
Look at this way. Duke has been in every hot spot in the world.
I remember some of the early ones when he was (acting?) envoy to Beijing before the President’s visit. Honey, his always abused-but-loyal-assistant (and then ex-wife when they were in Iraq)would constantly cover his tracks:
Chinese Premier: Mr. Duke. What do you think of the banquet in your honor this evening?
Duke: Actually premier, the food’s rubbish. The music sucks. And where’s the bar?
Honey’s Translation: Mr. Duke is very pleased with the variety this evening.
Imagine if Obama sacked Bernanke and replaced him with Duke. Trudeau could do weeks worth of strips on that alone.
February 22nd, 2010 at 12:42 pm
I’d love to see Duke enforcing an increase in Reserve Requirements! For once that policy could actually work.
Unfortunately I think he’d try to confiscate the assets for his own use and then blow them on a cocaine party.
Or am I thinking of your typical garden-variety banker here?…
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
I’m surprised Trudeau hasn’t done anything on Rahm Emmanuel.
I know Obama tries bits like “he loves to teach underpriviledged kids how to swear”, etc.
Word is there’s growing momentum for Obama to replace him. Enter Duke.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Imagine a conversation between Duke and Ron Paul re: the Fed.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:14 pm
Steve,
If Obama sacked Bernanke and asked you to take over (nothing else has worked. So why not?), would you ask for a salary or a one-time fee? Keeping in mind the global meltdown, currency rates and all the rest of it.
February 22nd, 2010 at 2:34 pm
I’d go for a one-time fee so that I couldn’t have my advice manipulated by the threat of being sacked.
February 22nd, 2010 at 4:51 pm
You should do what Jim Rogers said once if he was made Fed Chairman.
A. I’d abolish the Fed. B. I’d resign.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:34 am
Speaking of Jim Rogers:
He’s been laying low for a while now. Occasionally I’ll see him on CNBC. But other than that, almost nothing. Must be really busy advising the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:07 am
Always beware of anyone on CNBC…and check his track record. Always….
Jim Rogers is not immaculate…