This usually took place over beers down at the bar.
Slats, fictitious but possibly based on a composite of Royko pals, would give an unvarnished everyman opinion. This week he'd likely say, "Congress? As if they've got a snowball's chance of fixing the economy.
Grobnik's take on the economy
"We need jobs. Mel's wife's car broke down. He's not getting enough business at the diner to pay the mechanic. The mechanic's not ordering parts from Irish Lou. Lou's thinking about closing shop.
"Look at me. I'm still on my first beer, and it's about time to go home. What kind of austerity plan is that?"
Grobnik didn't sugarcoat. He made it real. He gave Royko the essence of an issue.
Straight-up perspective
I don't have a Grobnik, but I do believe the economy could use his straight-up analysis. The economy is so complex these days that just a quick update of Wall Street daily turmoil requires international monetary background.
