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July 20, 2012

READERS’ FORUM: July 20, 2012

The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Recessions caused by governments

A recent caller to LEFT radio (Sirius 127) suggested that we should do more infrastructure spending because, “That’s how FDR got us out of the Depression.”

My, how the myths persist.

True, during FDR’s first five years, unemployment declined from 25 percent to 14 percent. But, in the next three years, unemployment averaged 18 percent. It wasn’t until 1941, when military enlistments increased by 1.1 million, did unemployment fall below 14.6 percent.

And despite tragic unemployment rates, the number of government employees increased every year. Had it not been for the growth of 1 million government workers and 290,000 military service personnel between 1933 and 1940, FDR’s unemployment record would have been even worse.

Clearly, the Great Depression was alive and well in 1940 and, were it not for Japan, the Depression might well have ended ad infinitum and in dictatorship. (I have that fear about today’s economy: LEFT radio makes me even more concerned.)

What I know for sure is that the Depression, like today’s recession, was caused by government policy, not ended by it. Worse yet, many ordinary people, misguided by the FDR myths, now believe our economy cannot possibly function without government interference.

FDR did not have an answer, nor does Obama: between 2009 and 2012, $4.27 trillion of stimulus (deficit) spending has added a mere $1.53 trillion to the economy (GDP).

The occurrence of major recessions will only end when we completely reject the notion that government programs can improve our individual economic lives.

— Ron Gore

Covington



Good to read Mott’s musings

I am glad to read that Ronn Mott is still alive and well and writes for the Tribune-Star.

I miss his early morning radio show. He was always upbeat and very chatty. He was a wealth of information and trivia. I miss the golden voice of Martin Plascak. He was a classic for so many years also.

Thank you again for featuring Ronn Mott.

— Susan Schwartz

Terre Haute



Fine experience with local doctor

I want to thank the Lord for such a fine doctor as Henry Davis. He “doctored” me for many years and did a fine job of it. I was in the hospital with a hip replacement and he took time out of his very busy schedule to come see me in the hospital.

I’ll be praying for him.

— Frances Bishop

Clinton

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