The Great Happiness Crash

For several months the figures out of HEW indicated that the NHI (National Happiness Index) was inching downward. June was bad, with the seasonally adjusted NHI falling below 80 (1975 = 100) for the first time. But it was July’s drop to 71 that touched off the panic.

As always in times of public turmoil, profiteers multiplied. Alcohol consumption doubled, and then doubled again. Handguns sold at a premium. Access to bridges was forbidden to pedestrians after the nationwide wave of jumpers topped a thousand. All high-level observation platforms were shut down.

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Eric Stephanus

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For several months the figures out of HEW indicated that the NHI (National Happiness Index) was inching downward. June was bad, with the seasonally adjusted NHI falling below 80 (1975 = 100) for the first time. But it was July’s drop to 71 that touched off the panic.

As always in times of public turmoil, profiteers multiplied. Alcohol consumption doubled, and then doubled again. Handguns sold at a premium. Access to bridges was forbidden to pedestrians after the nationwide wave of jumpers topped a thousand. All high-level observation platforms were shut down.