From ABBA to Led Zeppelin: using music to teach economics
From ABBA to Led Zeppelin: using music to teach economics

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Fat Cats, Bigga Fish - The Coup

JEL: a d h  

Mr. Coke said to Mr. Mayor, "You know we got a process like Ice T's hair.
We put up the fund for your election campaign
And, oh um, waiter can you bring the champagne.
Our real estate firms said opportunities arousing
To make some condos out of low-income housing
Immediately we need some media heat
To say that gangs run the street and then we bring in the police
Harrasing everybody till they look inebriated
When we buy the land mother****** will appreciate it
Dont worry about the Urban League or Jesse Jackson
My man that owns Marlboros
Donated a fat sum"

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Assignment:

The song "Fat Cats, Bigga Fish" is about hustling. The rapper Boots thinks he is a hustler, but quickly realizes that he is the one being hustled in the game of life. From a public choice perspective, does the story Boots tells about Mr. Coke and Mr. Mayor's conversation sound compelling? Why does Mr. Mayor care about Mr. Coke's plans since the campaign donations do not directly go into his pocket? Do you think campaign finance reform will solve this type of problem? Why or why not?

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