Once you move past that point, you see that government have the power; they just don't use it. That can be changed. By political action (in the widest meaning of the word). In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
The reason governments aren't working for the benefit of the people is because they are not sufficiently democratic. This is something I've written about many times. We are in a situation which parallels the first Gilded Age. That ended in a world war and massive depression.
I've already posted a diary about the possibility that we are in the early stages of WWIII: Has WWIII Already Started? so I won't repeat my arguments.
What I haven't seen from anyone who dislikes my negative outlook are discussions of my points.
Just for reference there is an ongoing debate among those specializing in economic development as to what course to take. On one side are the critics like Joseph Stiglitz, William Easterly and Paul Collier and on the other are the optimists like Dani Rodrik and Jeffrey Sachs. Not only can't they agree on what steps to take in the future they can't even agree on what worked or failed to work in the past and why. Unlike us they are all professional economists who specialize in this area. I think this proves that the problems are daunting and not getting the kind of innovative ideas needed. If you are interested in this area they all have books out and Dani Rodrik has a blog as well. Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
First crack in the wall Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
This is, indeed, a point that was made much more clearly by Institutionalists working in the field of Development Economics in the 1950's and 1960's. I've been accused of being a Marxist, yet while Harpo's my favourite, it's Groucho I'm always quoting. Odd, that.
There is an alternative, as I sketched out above, and it involves empowering peasant farmers so they can make a living (provide food staples, earn money) from the land while not destroying it. Half the world's active population are farmers, most of them small peasants. These people have skills and locally-adapted knowledge that can be harnessed to provide much more food than is currently the case in many poorer countries. This would keep population in the country areas and help halt the flight to the towns. (Another of your points I responded to).
Of course, if you step back and say, we haven't got democratic governments so we're screwed anyway... You know, OK, so let's all go hang ourselves.
For example you say "involves empowering peasant farmers " and all I say is how?
What's the plan? We know what the goals are. Where are the implementation plans? Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
I overheard a conversation about oil prices on the train the other day that sums up the current American zeitgeist, I think. I might write about it.
On second thought, I'm current reading The Road by Cormack McCarthy, so maybe I'll refrain from comment for a while.
you are the media you consume.
that governments are powerless agaisnt corporations.
In other words, all of the powers of corporations come from charters granted by governments. What has been granted can be changed.
In the USA there is a common saying about company officers: Vice Presidents are empowered to sign contracts and to go to jail on behalf of the company.
Making corporate officers personally liable for acts of "gross negligence", including many things now considered "externalities" and sending them to jail could have a most salutary effect on corporate behavior, as would awarding whistle-blowers a portion of corporate fines and a civil claim against the personal wealth of responsible officers. As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
