Posted 5:09 PM by Robert

A Note To Conrad Black, Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein

From Jim Powell.

Mr. Powell has some very interesting things to say. But he doesn't really focus on Mr. Black's assignment of only a "passing" grade to the economics of the New Deal.

Mr. Black is much more enthusiastic about the New Deal and FDR as political phenomenons.

Economic success is already very hard to pin down and quantify. But capturing notions of political success objectively - within a commonly accpted framework? Sometimes it can be done.

But often: How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? How do you catch a moon beam in your hand? How do you hold a wave upon the sand?

How do you find a word that means FDR? A flibbertijibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown! A chameleon on plaid!

UPDATE: Of course, Conrad Black has more on his mind now than old musicals and even older presidents.

In fact, Conrad Black may now feel that he's all too close to meeting Joe Black.