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
Letters
READERS’ FORUM: July 20, 2012
- Letters
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READERS’ FORUM: May 21, 2013
• Great response to annual golf outing
• Doing your part on climate change
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READERS' FORUM: May 20, 2013
The dangers of a little knowledge
Students enjoyed Rose study trip
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READERS' FORUM: May 19, 2013
• Flawed reasoning on gun checks
• A hint of things yet to come?
• Are the ‘makers’ doing the ‘taking’?
• The ‘Obamination’ is finally revealed
• Pondering effects of Obamacare
• Fantasizing on the ‘Apocalypse’
• Another view of Hinduism
• Great experience for HCMS students
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FLASHPOINT: A legislative session of missed opportunities
Given the nature of politicians, grand claims of accomplishments and overblown rhetoric about “historic” efforts are to be expected at the close of any legislative session.
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READERS' FORUM: May 17, 2013
Hinduism doesn’t deserve ridicule — Shefali Purohit, Terre Haute
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Readers' Forum: May 16, 2013
Moving Deming folks sounds ‘nuts’
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Readers' Forum: May 15, 2013
Participants rise to the challenge: I would like to write a letter congratulating all the Wabash Valley Roadrunners that competed in the One America Indianapolis Mini Marathon.
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READERS' FORUM: May 14, 2013
ISTEP failure exposes flaws
Community hasn’t changed its spirit
Egregious threat to nation’s defense
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READERS' FORUM: May 13, 2013
• Women’s group criticizes Bucshon
• Let’s hope this doesn’t come true
• Many get thanks for fest success
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READERS' FORUM: May 12, 2013
Vigo Youth Football, entering 45th year, seeks new support
Media ignoring important case on abortions
Proud to be old-fashioned
Guns in school? What’s next?
Promoting hate not a ‘brave’ act
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FLASHPOINT: Again in 2013 General Assembly, middle class generally ignored
Last year, the people of Indiana entrusted the Republican Party with some of their most precious possessions.
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Readers’ Forum: May 11, 2013
I just wanted to express my disappointment at the lack of response shown by President Obama after the Boston Marathon bombings.
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Readers' Forum: May 10, 2013
CANDLES event plants new seed: On April 26, CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center hosted an event called “Sowing Seeds of Peace: A Celebration of Spring” at the Apple House. Our purpose was to introduce people to our concept of forgiveness as a seed for peace.
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READERS’ FORUM: May 6, 2013
• Money drives our newfound ‘needs’
• Guns not the only dangerous objects
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Readers’ Forum; May 5, 2013
Thankful for Pyle museum: I was happy to see the announcement of the Ernie Pyle Museum’s summer season opening, and I was reminded of how fortunate we all are to have such a museum close by.
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FLASHPOINT: Lessons from the legacy media — get it right, first
Enough mistakes and maybe we’ll learn: When in doubt, leave it out.
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FLASHPOINT: Hoosiers got steady hand in recent session
As the General Assembly began its work last November, as Speaker of the House, I pledged a renewed spirit of bipartisanship with legislators working together to solve our state’s most pressing challenges. As this year’s legislative session concludes, representatives from throughout the state — Republican and Democrat — have joined together to address those issues at the forefront of Hoosier minds: maintaining our state’s fiscal integrity, spurring job creation and expanding education opportunities for every Hoosier family.
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READERS' FORUM: May 3, 2013
Deep gratitude during tragic time
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READERS’ FORUM: May 2, 2013
• Terre Haute takes care of their own
• Postal contract causes concern
• Food price rise not appreciated
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READERS' FORUM: May 1, 2013
Great support for Clay Habitat
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READERS’ FORUM: April 30, 2013
• Gujarat attack was provoked
• Proud honor for THN student
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READERS’ FORUM: April 29, 2013
• Avoid language of extremism
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Readers' Forum: April 28, 2013
Another debacle for landowners: The integrity of our city and county officials continues to erode with an Issue that has come up on the east side of the city behind the Sycamore Terrace apartments.
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FLASHPOINT: Time has arrived for overhaul of TV news
Former FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes gave an address in 1992 in which he claimed television news was too superficial and too focused on visuals.
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Readers’ Forum: April 25, 2013
• Common Core: A simple choice
• Club again launches St. Ann’s fundraiser
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READERS’ FORUM: April 24, 2013
• Good service was noticed
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READERS’ FORUM: April 23, 2013
• Another great season at THN
• We’ve discarded our own privacy
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READERS’ FORUM: April 22, 2013
Chickens should not be banned from residences
A challenge to Islamist dogma
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FLASHPOINT: Fiscal cliff, Obamacare have already raised taxes enough
Our history is rich with stories of people who have immigrated to the United States for a chance at the American Dream. The American Dream, in its truest form, is the opportunity to achieve success by working hard and playing by the rules; to make it on your own and to say, “I earned this.”
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Readers’ Forum: April 21, 2013
Vouchers need continued support: Indiana’s school voucher program is working and we hope area legislators will continue to support improvements to this important initiative. Here’s why.
- More Letters Headlines
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READERS’ FORUM: May 21, 2013




