I’ve read this book before: Economist Paul Krugman says “Alien Invasion” could fix US Economy

MASSIVE SPOILER WARNING

Whatever you think about the current state of the US Economy, we can agree on one thing–actually, no, wait, we can’t, that’s the whole goddamn point of this economic crisis.

So when Paul Krugman (glibly) suggests that the fake threat of an Alien invasion might help fix the US economy my response is—wait, isn’t that the plot of Alan Moore’s “Watchmen?” (And before that, an episode of The Outer Limits?“

Yep! Fans of “Watchmen” should recognize the smash-twist ending of the famous graphic novel, which saw New York city WRECKED by a fake Alien invasion engineered by the well-intended villain. (How you can wreck New York and still have good intentions requires that you READ THE BOOK IF YOU DON’T KNOW ALREADY)

In the book, the disaster successfully averts World War III, as the world’s nations decide to work together against a perceived greater threat.

But a key plot thread involving the character Rorschach could potentially unwind the peace that the threat has earned. And what’s more, this “peace” came at the costs of hundreds of thousands of (fictional) lives.

Paul’s obviously not going so far with his idea, but still, the question that the book asks remains–what’s the price you’re willing to pay for “peace?”

(Also, not just once, but twice—Geeks called it first!)

<via The Week>

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