News From Terre Haute, Indiana

Breaking News

Letters

Discussion

Welcome to our online comments feature. We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean. We reserve the right to remove comments that are obscene, racist or abusive and statements that are false or unverifiable as well as posts that are attacking other users. Repeat offenders will be blocked. You may flag objectionable comments for review by a moderator.
comments powered by Disqus
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

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Letters
Latest News
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
TribStar.com Poll
AP Video
Obama: US Has Helped Syrian Rebels Robot Action Connected to Human Thought Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent' California Cops Cruise on Stand-up Paddle Patrol Man Who Disrupted Flight Ranted About CIA Feds: 7-Eleven Stores Exploited Immigrants Transgender Candidate Running in NYC Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On' Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets Afghan Forces Take Afghanistan Security Lead Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail Iran's Rowhani Urges 'Path of Moderation' Falling Cable Hurts 10 NASCAR Fans Today in History June 18 Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights Daughter: Mandela Doing 'Very Well' Raw: Prince Philip Leaves Hospital After Surgery G8 Leaders Huddle on Syria
NDN Video
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent' WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab Sofia Vergara Posts Perky Backside Pic in Thong Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture Caught on Tape: Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child "Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned Cameron Diaz and Kate Upton Show Off Their Amazing Bikini Bodies NBA FINALS: Spurs Win Game 5, Lead Series Exclusive Clip: Jodi Arias: 'Dirty Little Secret' Amphibious bus filled with tourists sinks Best Bikini Abs
Parade
Magazine
Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
  • -

     

    March 12, 2010

activity
Real Estate News