The Enigmatic Mr Paulson
I've been doing some research on Hank Paulson lately and have come across some fascinating stuff. Seems the Treasury Secretary is a nature enthusiast, and is a keen herpetologist. Yes, the man loves snakes. Somewhat ironic, I thought, as many peg him to be one of them. He wanted to be a forest ranger when he was growing up, and when he did grow up, he kept all kinds of animals on the farm he had in Illinois. The menagerie included raccoons (that he let live in the house with the family) alligators, tarantulas, flying squirrels, and the more pedestrian pets too, dogs and cats.
But he loves snakes. And all manner of animals of prey. The article goes on to quote him: "I'm fascinated because they're at the top of the food chain." He goes on to posit a very interesting theory - that when those at the top of the food chain are healthy, the rest of the ecosystem is healthy too.
Clink! The penny has finally dropped. That is why he is doing what he is doing, namely bailing out his friends and enemies at the top of the food chain that is Enterprise America. If Wall Street eats, we all eat. But he is savvy enough to know he cannot actually say this out loud. Howls of indignation and outrage would result.
Strange though, as he is also a devout Christian Scientist and therefore believes that love trumps fear. So really, shouldn't he just offer us a big group hug and be done with it? But no, it seems in the real world, fear trumps love almost every time. One look at the markets lately will reinforce that.
And by the way, Mr Paulson, you can't live on love. Just ask the birds of prey you so respect about that one.
But he loves snakes. And all manner of animals of prey. The article goes on to quote him: "I'm fascinated because they're at the top of the food chain." He goes on to posit a very interesting theory - that when those at the top of the food chain are healthy, the rest of the ecosystem is healthy too.
Clink! The penny has finally dropped. That is why he is doing what he is doing, namely bailing out his friends and enemies at the top of the food chain that is Enterprise America. If Wall Street eats, we all eat. But he is savvy enough to know he cannot actually say this out loud. Howls of indignation and outrage would result.
Strange though, as he is also a devout Christian Scientist and therefore believes that love trumps fear. So really, shouldn't he just offer us a big group hug and be done with it? But no, it seems in the real world, fear trumps love almost every time. One look at the markets lately will reinforce that.
And by the way, Mr Paulson, you can't live on love. Just ask the birds of prey you so respect about that one.
Comments
There was a man who brought to my kindergarten class his boa constrictor. He would tour the schools in Calgary with said snake in his capacity as a professional snake handler.
I had the opportunity to meet him a year or so later when he agreed to speek at our annual Scout BP dinner. I was surprised to hear that he had this whole life outside of 'charming snakes'!
So... for Mr. Paulson to have an interest in not only money, but trees, rocks and snakes... well, that's just super!