Economic History
Then & Now
A Parable about reckless behavior.
If we deny history
We are destined to repeat our mistakes.
The Roaring 1920’s and the economy
a
Forest Parable
The 1920’s and the Roaring economy
Study history so we don’t make the same mistakes again
by
Charlie Champion
The forest was filled with a cacophony of excitement .
Times were good, and the living was easy.
Several years of plentiful rainfall, moderate winters, and warm nurturing Springs had turned the forest into a virtual paradise .
Food was plentiful.
The predators had been hunted nearly to extinction by the two legged’s. Those that were not killed had left for the deep unknown forest far far away.
The cries, squeaks, craws et. al., of the new babies filled the air .
No predators meant bigger families, but the bounty provided by Mother Nature kept all, well fed.
The wise old Badger was the local leader, but his stories and warnings were causing the younger animals to loose patience . He had lived a long life and was experienced in the ways of nature . He was concerned that the bad times would come back. The younger animals who had never experienced the fury of Nature ,refused to believe him..
“Yes my friends.” he warned, ” many of you are young. You do not remember the hard times from before.”
He looked around the clearing.” The Winters are not always so easy. There have been many years when we’ve been plagued by severe drought. ”
He shook his head sadly,”When the streams dry up, then hunger comes to the forest.”
” Oh go on old man!” Patty Bunny stamped her foot.” Who has time for sad old stories. Old stories are boreing.”
” Don’t say that,”he responded sternly.”To ignore history is to run the risk of repeating your mistakes.”
“Boo on you” said Ronnie rabit.
“Enough already ,” rasped Willie Weasle,” Lets live the good life. It’s time to party.This is the way it’s always going to be.”
“yada ,ya, ya” They hopped off giggling and whispering.
Several months passed. The Summer was a distant memory.
A large volcano errupted off the coast. The sky was turned grey almost 750 miles distant.
The weather patterns were changed. A noticeable drop in temperatures became apparent.
The wild fruits and berries never fully ripened, the tubes and bulbs were underdeveloped.
It was 4 or 5 degrees colder, and.. it it almost never rained.
Food became scarce . No one was prepared.
There were not enough stored acorns.
No stockpiled food.
Shortages developed almost overnight.
And the predators returned!!! Driven by hunger spurred by the drout and the very cold winter.
The happy well fed party generation disappeared in an avalanche of change.
Painful change.
Society altering change.
The 1920’s and the Economy
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