One of my favourite TV characters is Roger Sterling ® of Mad Menâ„¢ (interpreted and played by John Slattery). The writing for this character is amusing and at times poignant (but not often), and Mr. Slattery oozes a combination of charm and sleaze at the same time. What could a Narcissistic, Aloof, Somewhat Racist Madison Avenue Advertising Exec with a horrible Drinking and Smoking habit have to say about money (aside from the fact that he carries around over $400 cash (in the 1960s when $400 is like $4000 now))? Not much, but let’s see if we can match some of his finest commentary to money and financial issues.
“We know there’s a black spot on the X-ray – you don’t have to keep tapping your finger on it.”
Roger Sterling
I think Roger Sterling is making an accusatory comment at we financial bloggers, who always speak of gloom and doom, and maybe we should keep that to ourselves, or better still, give some real advice on how to make things better.
“My mother always said, ‘Be careful what you wish for because you’ll get it. And then people get jealous and try and take it away from you.'”
Roger Sterling
Very accurate as well, more of a lament on the current Tax System in Canada, where once you get what you wished for, you are heavily taxed for having it, or in the case of your house, and how much other folks want it.
“I’m just acknowledging that life, unlike this analysis, will eventually end and somebody else will get the bill.”
Roger Sterling
Of course, Roger comments on the importance of having your Will and Power of Attorney documentation in order because you never know when you might pass away.
“I bet there were people walking around in the Bible complaining about kids today.”
I believe the quotation “Jesus wept” is Jesus commenting about how young folks today don’t know enough about finances or money. Indeed it is a lament most financial bloggers have about the younger generation (and other folks in general).
“I have an announcement to make. It’s going to be a beautiful day.”
Remembering that this was after Roger had “dropped acid,” we’ll assume that he is commenting that no matter how bad things get financially, they can always get better.
At least I didn’t claim to be Don Draper, I think I actually look more like Bert Cooper.