A tale of two economists

Once upon a time there were two economists. Though they lived on opposite sides of a great sea, they both entered politics and became prime ministers. One day, because of some very foolish actions by people they didn't know, a crisis happened. The masses grew afraid because the last time this sort of crisis occurred, many millions found themselves out of home and pocket, then died in a great war, without ever becoming of home and pocket again. Such is the nature of these things.

One of these economist-premiers saw the crisis, and said unto the people:


The other premier-economist, examined the crisis and spake thus unto his people, and the people of the world:


It was later that the great recorders of history remarked with irony that it was indeed the first econominister who yearned for adulation on the world stage, and that the second was often considered dull and of questionable competence.