finally...
honest
In this provocative book, Shearman and Smith present evidence that the fundamental problem causing environmental destruction--and climate change in particular--is the operation of liberal democracy. Its flaws and contradictions bestow upon government--and its institutions, laws, and the markets and corporations that provide its sustenance--an inability to make decisions that could provide a sustainable society. Having argued that democracy has failed humanity, the authors go even further and demonstrate that this failure can easily lead to authoritarianism without our even noticing. Even more provocatively, they assert that there is merit in preparing for this eventuality if we want to survive climate change. They are not suggesting that existing authoritarian regimes are more successful in mitigating greenhouse emissions, for to be successful economically they have adopted the market system with alacrity. Nevertheless, the authors conclude that an authoritarian form of government is necessary, but this will be governance by experts and not by those who seek power. There are in existence highly successful authoritarian structures--for example, in medicine and in corporate empires--that are capable of implementing urgent decisions impossible under liberal democracy. Society is verging on a philosophical choice between “liberty” or “life." ...
Nevertheless, the authors conclude that an authoritarian form of government is necessary, but this will be governance by experts and not by those who seek power.
They say “liberal democracy,” but I’m thinking they mean constitutional republics as well.
“provocative”? I might think of a different word.
“... but this will be governance by experts and not by those who seek power.” You have no idea how comforting that is.
“Society is verging on a philosophical choice between “liberty” or “life"." (How wonderfully postmodern to put those strange words in quotes.)
I would refer the writers to one Mr Patrick Henry, active in our Revolutionary War, who had something terse to say about that subject.
Posted by ZZMike on 02/11/08 at 09:30 AM
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