Re: Is REFORM viable?

Dear Warren:
I should like to comment on the following parts of your message to me: 

"For various reasons, the Scandinavian countries and Cuba (it used to be
Yugoslavia) may be seen for the moment as happy role models of what
"reform" can accomplish.  BUT THESE COUNTRIES HAVE VERY UNIQUE HISTORIES
AND THEIR EXAMPLES ARE NOT REPLICABLE WORLDWIDE", 

Where is the proof for this allegation? There are many other Capitalist
countries, that have adopted similar policies in the past and maintain at
least part of such reforms at present: e.g. Germany with its model of
SOCIAL MARKET ECONOMY and workers participation in decision-making
(MITBESTIMMUNG). Even Roosevelt's New Deal was a step in the right direction. 
From the Socialist camp, Vietnam and China have also adopted market
mechanisms to improve their economies, while retaining part of their Social
Services.

"So what is the alternative I have in mind?  A socialist, liberal,
democratic, egalitarian global commonwealth, as depicted in Book the Second
of my SHORT HISTORY OF THE FUTURE". How do we get there?  Through a mix of
multiple local initiatives and effective global collaboration among
progressive elements pledged to this overarching goal.  Will it happen
soon?  No.  Will more suffering and struggle intervene?  Probably much more".

Whether or not such a Society can be achieved is beside the point (if you
are interested I am willing to argue against such an outcome); what
matter's is that WE DO NOT HAVE THE TIME TO WAIT FOR IT. 

Here is my view of the world's situation during the 21st century:
The carrying capacity of the planet is at the breaking point; oil and many
other non-renewable resources shall soon be insufficient to cover the
present needs of the world's population; even if the excessive consumption
of the industrialized countries could somehow be reduced. Furthermore
2/3rds of that population are very anxious to improve their present,
miserable lot.

To address such a plight we need institutions, that have the authority and
credibility to take the actions needed SOON and have proved their
efficiency. Both Norway's Prime Minister and Fidel Castro might have a
chance of succeeding and have the guts to do it, while Clinton, Bush or
Tony Blair would probably not even try. The Chinese leadership might also
succeed, but their people have been conditioned for obedience to a degree
unacceptable in most other societies.

Regards               Paul Riesz