Re: Is REFORM viable?

Dear Paul,
    Did you really mean to say: "The Chinese leadership might also succeed, but
their people have been conditioned for obedience to a degree unacceptable in 
most
other societies"? At best, this is ethno-centric claptrap. You should know
better.
    Sincerely, Jason

Sociology, Johns Hopkins

Paul Riesz wrote:

> 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