It's the [Stupid] Economy

Just heard a report on NPR about the Writers Strike, and how it's leading to the cancellation of the Golden Globe awards ceremony is affecting the Hollywood economy.

The subsidiary businesses, that exist because of shows like the Golden Globes, are suffering. These include limo drivers, waiters in expensive restaurants, caterers, fashion writers, tuxedo rentals, etc. etc. etc. The inevitable conclusion is this:

There are many niche businesses in our economy, that have come into existence due to their support of other businesses, providing a livelihood for countless individuals and families, leading to the inescapable conclusion that these dependencies demand that the originating institution or belief MUST be perpetuated, no matter how ultimately silly or worthless.

Other examples come to mind - notably every business related to cars. This was especially evident driving along any LA freeway, last week. We can't lessen the dependency on private cars without devastating all these family businesses.

Another major example: military bases, that have become the primary employer (and, hence, economic engine) for towns across America. We can't trim back the military without
devastating these towns.

Heck, look at the entire Military/Industrial/Educational complex.

We have evolved a system on interlinking dependencies, and the Awards Shows (i.e. federal subsidies) simply must go on and on, or people will lose their jobs.

I guess it would be Evil Socialism to stop the spending on Bombs and devote a portion of the savings to providing a safety-net for those individuals (not corporations) who no longer have a reason to go to work.

Ultimately, we are all caterers, serving the Economic Monster that is kept lubricated (literally) by petroleum. And, one of these days, the Oil awards show is going to be cancelled.