Mr. Koch doesn't have to think twice about his answer: "The deaths of the

American cities have been predicted for hundreds of years--ever since they were formed.

. . . They will not die. The city will not die because it provides something special for

us." He and his host discuss the grim topic of potential civicides--welfare demands,

labor-management disputes, high taxation--vigorously and entertainingly. EK: "... a

table in the New York Times ... showed what the costs were amongst the 50 states for

mental health per capita. My recollection is that New York was spending $140 per capita

for mental health, and New Jersey, right across the river, was spending $50. I would say

to people: Are we three times crazier than New Jersey?" WFB: "Or do we make people

crazy after they come here?"