E.F. Schumacher's book, Small Is Beautiful, subtitled "Economics As If People Mattered," was cited by Jerry Brown when he first served as Governor of California (from 1975 to 1982).
Brown saw the book as providing helpful insights into how to develop an appropriate set of public policies for the state, reconciling respect for the environment with a healthy economy. For those who may not remember, Brown actually established an Office of Appropriate Technology, in state government, with exactly this objective in mind.
In November, Californians will have another chance to employ Jerry Brown as a statewide leader. His opponent, incidentally, has urged the suspension of environmental protection efforts (AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, specifically) until the "economy improves."
Query whether we will ever "improve" our economy if we see economic improvement as requiring the impoverishment of the natural environment that sustains all life.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for your comment!