Imagine Less Stuff
With all of the discussion about how to fix the economy, is it surprising to anyone that no one ever asks what it means to be "fixed"? Is it surprising that there isn't any discussion about the nature of the world in which we live and whether we want it to be fixed? The world in which we live is one that is far too complicated for any of us to understand. We live in a world where the decisions of a couple senators and one president can have the effect of creating financial mayhem. In this instance, I'm referring to the repeal of the Glass Steagall Act. We live in a world where our fate is largely in the hands of several thousand very wealthy people and the boards of several hundred large corporations. They make the decisions. We face the consequences, whatever they may be. This state of affairs is referred to, by some, as "freedom" incredibly enough.
The things upon which the our lives depend are determined by decisions that are completely out of our hands. We have no idea how to grow food, raise animals, make a car, fix a telephone or cellphone, or even start a fire. Most of us have no idea why the economy is a mess right now. Except for those few people who have either made one of these things their career, or have taken it upon themselves to learn certain survival skills, we are utterly dependent on forces upon which we have no ability to influence. We are basically helpless.
I believe these are facts, and that they won't change as long as civilization exists. I have no wish to do away with the many comforts of 21st century life. I can live without knowing how a plasma television works. I can live without even knowing someone who knows how a plasma television works. That's diversification of knowledge and labor and I'm all for it. A small group of survivalists and anarchists would prefer that the system as we know it be brought down altogether. I don't find that idea particularly enticing for a number of reasons, unless it happens in several hundred years.
In this time of crisis, during which we are dependent on our political leaders to make the correct decisions that will end the economic crisis, I think it is worth considering at least a few changes around the edges. We don't have to do away with capitalism to grow our own food, or support local farmers. Even something as simple as building grocery stores within walking distance would make a difference. Efficient mass transit is a worthy goal, but another worthy goal would be to not need mass transit. Does nearly everything have to be made in China, India, Cambodia, Taiwan, etc...? I have nothing against the people of the Far East, but the meager earnings of the average Malaysian assembly worker doesn't outweigh the possible gains we'd make by being able to make our own clothes if necessary. The industrialization of the Far East isn't doing those people any favors in the long run. Global capitalism is stripping all rural people of the basic skills that sustained them for generations. It happened in this country in the late 19th century.
Regarding finance, is it absolutely necessary that banks be international conglomerates with every investment hedged against another investment with another financial institution? Would a smaller system of smaller regional banking networks be worth looking into? Sure, some people wouldn't make $8 million in a single year, but there would still be rich people. And when a crisis occurs in banking, instead of threatening the entire world, perhaps only a few states would be at risk. Greed would be modestly tempered for a while.
I can't help but think that people would experience more "freedom" in smaller, more self-contained communities, in which they might have some measure of influence. At the moment, I'm not feeling particularly free.
Labels: life
