THE LAW OF FOOD AND FORTUNE

LET'S GET FISCAL

Dr. Ira Longterm writes for us each Friday. He honors us by taking time from a busy schedule of consulting for The Pipedream Group, a think tank which he founded (and funded.) He also writes books on the political economy. His latest - You Don't Need Cash If You Know The Cashier - is such a seller that it's usually out of print.

The good doctor is one economist who works pro bono/ad hoc.

Dr. Longterm's White Paper #102

You don't have to be a universally revered, award-winning economist to notice that the people here (Dixiecats) go out to eat in a big way.

Now we hear disparaging remarks from lay folk suggesting that people should stay home and dine at the family table. That's quaint and would fit in nicely with family budgets and values, of course, but think about the economy as a whole. None of us is an island. What's good for The Bear Claw is good for Dixie.

The news is out about the exalted state of the state of Utah. The hills are alive with the sound of cash registers. Yes, people are dining out. It's no mere coincidence that we're doing well while going to restaurants in record numbers.

These boom times are actually the result of us hanging-out at the fast food joints, the cozy cafes and the swank spots where the elite meet to eat. Dining out is the engine propelling Dixie's bustling commerce - or my name isn't Dr. Ira Longterm.

Do the right thing. Eat out more, help create more jobs for workers whose incomes will be taxed, and notice the lighter tax burden. The additional tax revenues will mean decreased taxes on you, and you'll be able to afford to eat out even more. The never ending cycle of food and prosperity has to be sustained for continued success.

Eternal spending is to a healthy economy what eternal vigilance is to preserving liberty.

I hope you've learned Longterm's Law of Food and Fortune from this brief explanation. Let the concept seep into your mind, mull it over and treat a friend to lunch to discuss the idea.

Doubting Thomases might think about what would happen with a converse course of action. Stop eating out and you'll see a crowd gather at the unemployment office. Scaldoni's, McDonald's, Basila's, Rio's, The Olive Garden, and Applebees can't pay employees if you don't pay for meals. Your taxes would increase to pay the losses of tax revenues of those laid off.

Eat out, Dixiecats. It's your duty.

~~~

Until next Friday, keep the ferns circulating.