Doonesbury by Garry Trudeau for July 14, 1985

Transcript:

Person: Senator, I'd like to propose a compromise - the two-martini lunch. Senator: Sounds good. Let's discuss it over lunch. Phil: Senator, if I may, I'd like to explain the critical importance of entertainment deductions to American business... Senator: We're all ears, Mr. Slackmeyer. Phil: Take my average business lunch. I'll invite a client over to my club. We'll have a little pate, a nice chailus to unwind..by the time the chicken tarragon with white sauce arrives, I'm relaxed, at my best. By the time coffee is served, I've negotiated a $5 million deal for my company. Now, say your tax "reform" is passed. What happens? I can't write off my country club, so I don't go. I stay in my office and become cranky, our of sorts. I put off the deal. Who suffers? The work force. The economy. America! All over a lousy chicken tarragon with white sauce! Senator: Let me get this straight. You'd blow a $5 million deal if the taxpayers didn't buy you lunch? Phil: Yes, without a decent meal. I just don't feel like creating jobs.