wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Comments

• [1] Leon Freilich from Park Slope January 25, 2009 - 02:40PM

  DISCOUNTING THE RECESSION

  Recession? Don't even think about it. If notthinking is not your thing, you might consider exploiting it. Why not? Plenty of merchants are doing that already:

  Met Opera--half-price if you bring your own chair

  Met Museum--free to everyone splashing out upwards of $75 in the gift shop

  Movie theater--50% reduction for companion if both of you sit in the front row

  Bowling alley--down six beers, choose your gratis lane

  Employment agency--hired? We'll pick up your subway tab

  Real estate agency--fee-back guarantee if house explodes or sinks

  Driving school--two students for the price of one when that one brings his/her own steering wheel

  Grocery--yesterday's bread at tomorrow's deflationary price

  Gas--clean the car windows of customers taking premium and changing oil

  Shoemaker--three shoes fixed for the price of two

  Pediatrician--twins count as one patient; triplets, one and a half

  Family doctor: will pay you the minimum wage for time waited beyond three hours

  Lawyer--you sue someone, free; you sue a second party, standard price; failure to pay that, we sue you

  Divorce lawyer--group rates for polygamists

  Bookshop--buy one Stephen King, next published within one year at 1/3 off, the following at 2/3 off; any additional King novel before year's end, no cost

  Computer--vow to post no smart aleck postings, 35 percent reduction

  Theater--see first or second act of pricey musical free; if satisfied, pay full price for next Wednesday matinee

  Drugstore--all the aspirin you can heft, $5

  Restaurant--bar/bat mitzvah reception free for anyone putting down a healthy deposit for kid's wedding

  Car dealership--Take it, take it.

  
  
• [2] Shahin Khalisdar from NYC January 25, 2009 - 06:56PM

  It brought my attention that many Americans forget that what is America. America is built by hard working poor immigrants. They came in this country from English imprisonment to political refugees and created big asset.I wish the opportunist those who come here for opportunity they understand that this country built from the blood of slave to poor Chinese Immigrants. The creator of USA decided to small government. I think, every president need to put their mind on small government and assist citizens to open small business. thank you

  
  
• [3] alex from Brooklyn January 26, 2009 - 12:17PM

  I'm really interested in hearing how someone can still actually make such an inane case. keynesian economics, Central Planning and big government are proven to be inefficient. These are the precise ideals and structures that brought us to this dismal point. A voice from the Austrian school of economics (the type of foundation this country was built on) would be a good contrast. I'm definitely not as educated as the author of this book, but I'm certainly not stupid (like the millions of others who can see right through these insipid arguments in favor of prolonging failed policies). I'll certainly listen to this segment, but I doubt this guy can make much of a case.

  
  
• [4] Amber Smart from New York City January 26, 2009 - 01:44PM

  I don't want to spend anymore - with or without a tax cut. My family is realizing so much of the stuff we use to buy was not needed - junk really - mostly from China. I want to see the dollars spent on something that will last - education, green energy, and infrastructure.

  
  
• [5] alex from Brooklyn January 26, 2009 - 01:46PM

  Is the income tax not illegal according to the constitution? Don't our income taxes go to pay off government debt rather than promote social well-being? It's not an apportioned tax.

  
  
• [6] RC January 26, 2009 - 01:47PM

  Can the author discuss what technical innovation that has helped spurred economic growth that came from the government?

  From what I understand that all of the satellite technology has come from NASA. The Internet from the Defense department and jet engine technology from the Defense dept.

  Also Friedman's claim to fame is in Monetary theory. Which most liberals and conservatives use.

  
  
• [7] Tom from NYC January 26, 2009 - 01:47PM

  Please clarify if the speaker wants higher tax rates or higher tax dollars collected. The two are not the same.

  
  
• [8] Ellen from Manhattan January 27, 2009 - 01:13PM

  I thought this theory of how to improve our economy made more sense than anything I've heard so far. I wish President Obama would call the author in for a long discussion.