In this short audio drama, "Win a Dinner with Alan Greenspan," a poor man from rural North Carolina named Willie wins a dinner with former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. Willie seeks to understand why he is poor while others are rich. The story, set in a fancy hotel restaurant in Washington D.C., explores several major themes:
- Socioeconomic Inequality: Willie, who hauls ice at a Perdue chicken plant, questions Greenspan about the reasons behind poverty and wealth. He highlights the stark contrast between his life and that of the rich plant manager, who lives in Norfolk.
- Economic Systems and Opportunity: Greenspan explains that wealth is created when individuals or companies leverage their "hard work and innovation for advantage". He suggests that a person's contribution is valued by the company and that the economy offers opportunities to grow through investments like real estate or small business entrepreneurship.
- Barriers to Social Mobility: Greenspan states that economic data suggests someone born into the lowest economic quartile will likely remain poor throughout their life. Willie expresses frustration with this idea, comparing his financial situation to "police cuffs" that only get tighter.
- Critique of Monetary Policy and Corporate Power: Willie challenges Greenspan's views on "direct payments," arguing they would not de-incentivize work, and questions why the government doesn't help all Americans. He also critiques the chicken company, stating it makes people sick and takes the town's water.
- The American Dream vs. Reality: Greenspan upholds the idea of America as a "beacon" of opportunity for the "best and the brightest". However, Willie's lived experience in Ahoskie, where he sees no one as "economically mobile," starkly contrasts with this optimistic view. The drama concludes with Greenspan's concession that while opportunity exists for "everybody, but sometimes not for you," which Willie sadly agrees with.
