Submitted by John Spencer Yantiss, Sep 17, 2007 14:28

"Lots, and none at all." That is what Bilbo Baggins told the troll who asked him if there were any more like him around. Of course, it is really the wit and wisdom of J. R. R. Tolkien. Though not for its original purpose, it is a good commentary on Mr. Greenspan's remarks, as quoted in your article. I was going to buy and read the book, but you have saved me the cost by sharing just enough of it for me to thankfully conclude that it would be a waste. Mr. Greenspan is an intelligent man, but not nearly as intelligent as he himself thinks. Among many things he conveniently forgets are the guarantied ups and downs of the economy, sometimes more severe than others. He also forgets the dymanics of a country which has been attacked, and thereafter at war. Whether or not he agrees with our being at war is irrelevant. Those are just two realities which he has clearly forgotten. My greatest question is, was it intended lack of recall, or are his years finally catching up with him; is this the real Greenspan, the emergence of the Jimmy Carter of economics, or--?

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