Re: Roots music and Alas Babylon

[Deliphus01@aol.com]

> I agree that there are a couple of Blues influenced songs in the OBWAT 
> soundtrack, but only a couple.

Keets:

However, they all were. You might not hear it, but again where's the Robert 
Johnson in Cars by Gary Numan? You have to find it via David Bowie, but the 
progression is there.
> 
> for whatever he likes.  Your example is of price spikes occurring in 
> unusual circumstances, which of course happens frequently. Price is a 
> measure of supply and demand and of course it will change if 
> circumstances do.

Alan:

Right. So the buying all the CDs analogy won't wash, while the "unusual 
circumstances" can be equated to the limited number of venue seats. And once 
people stop paying $500 for a ticket, the price WILL come down. All by 
itself...no laws required.
> 
> The people who make ice, plywood, home repairs etc. available after a 
> disaster are heroes, whether you like it or not and even whether they 
> realize it or not.

I don't know that I see them as "heroes," but I'll admit they do stimulate 
the economy regionally. I'd have to define a "hero" as someone who resisted 
the urge to gouge and sold the stuff for the usual price.
> 
> and depress prices a bit.  The whole crisis is minimized if people 
> are rewarded, and rewarded well, for supplying the disaster area with 
> what it needs as soon as physically possible.

I don't know if I can quite buy that argument either...having been at the 
"ground zero" of a hurricane. Providing the services quickly, yes, charging 
more for them, no. It seems to me that the higher price would have a longer 
term negative effect that would more than take the wind out of any short term 
economic bounce. And not seeing that is the reason why the GOP doesn't "get" 
economics. Short term thinking. The immediate gratification without regard to 
the consequences. "We'll borrow the money, and worry about the payment 
later...maybe we'll win the lottery!" In short: Reaganomics.
> 
> on a currency of political connections as well as money.  I recommend 
> _Alas, Babylon_ as an excellent novel of living in a post-disaster 
> scenario, including rebuilding an economy.

God, I haven't read that book since the late `60's. All I remember about it 
now is it's post-nuclear war rebuilding in a small non-radioactive pocket in 
Florida, and they discover all the jewelry is radioactive and killing people.
I would like to reread it...thanks for reminding me of that one.
> 
> features.) Most anti-capitalists bash it by claiming that it means a 
> society in which money can buy anything

Kevin:

I would say its biggest flaw is not that but the fact that money (as in: the 
people with) can exclude anyone, if they so choose, or hold people ransom for 
the necessities of life in order to keep them at a socio-economic level. And 
that CERTAINLY goes on today, in every part of this country. Vouchers, 
anyone?
> 
> properly defined context, all capitalism is "responsible" as a matter 
> of course.

I guess that's why laws that limit the amount of poison that can be poored 
into our drinking water table exist...oh, shit, now I'm a terrorist!
> 
> I'll bet we could find some more common ground over a few drinks, in a 
> proper atmosphere.  Maybe one of these days :-)

Jeff:

Maybe...Alan has been known to travel to Who concerts.
> 
> *That*, to me is shameful.
> And, don't look now, but responsible capitalism will be instilled into
> healthcare soon.

Kevin:

Not until AT LEAST 2004.


    "They have miscalculated me as a leader."
             George "Mr. Salty" Bush

         
               Cheers