Abolish democracy to save the planet?

[TradCat]

http://www.greenwood.com/catalog/C34504.aspx

In a new book, David Shearman and Joseph Wayne Smith argue that in order to deal with climate change we need to replace liberal democracy with an authoritarianism of scientific expertise. They write in a recent op-ed:

Liberal democracy is sweet and addictive and indeed in the most extreme case, the USA, unbridled individual liberty overwhelms many of the collective needs of the citizens. . .
There must be open minds to look critically at liberal democracy. Reform must involve the adoption of structures to act quickly regardless of some perceived liberties. . .

We are going to have to look how authoritarian decisions based on consensus science can be implemented to contain greenhouse emissions.


On their book page they write:

[T]he authors conclude that an authoritarian form of government is necessary, but this will be governance by experts and not by those who seek power.

[Edo]

After watching that Primetime special on the planning process late last year I have to admit I was reevaluating the pros and cons of dictatorship!

[Munion]

What would be the point in living in an authoritarian but environmentally sound world.

That is to say if you accept their point that freedom = environmental disaster, which I don't.

[EvotingMachine0197]

This looks like a coming out for the New World Order boys.

But I agree with the concept that those who seek power are probably not the right people to have power. I can't think of any other way to do it though.

[905]

You have to admire the Simpsons for foreseeing all this years ago. Anyone remember the episode when the local Mensa group took over the town?

Power corrupts, and that applies to scientists too.

[dealmachtigeier]

[T]he authors conclude that an authoritarian form of government is necessary, but this will be governance by experts and not by those who seek power.

And Messrs Shearman and Smith just happen to have the expertise we're looking for, right?

After this and Rowan Williams' Sharia suggestion we just need Fiona O'Malley to come out with something just as inane and Friday will just fly by ...

[farnaby]

[T]he authors conclude that an authoritarian form of government is necessary, but this will be governance by experts and not by those who seek power.

Don't we already have this? We elect supposed decision makers, who bow to 'the experts' and blame them when they have to make unpopular choices, particularly when it comes to economics. No-one wants massive inequalities in health care, but privatisation experts made me do it. No-one wants schools to pay water charges, but the EU's public service sector experts made me do it. Unpopular responses to climate change will be blamed on IPCC, EU, UN etc.

Are they really saying that it is a surplus of liberal democracy in the USA that is blocking climate change resolution!? More like the lobbying and proximity to power (no pun...) of the energy industry.

[Edo]

What would be the point in living in an authoritarian but environmentally sound world.

That is to say if you accept their point that freedom = environmental disaster, which I don't.

Give me Liberty or Death, Munion?

They do have a point tho - But they shouldn't worry about saving the planet - at the rate we're going the planet will be doing fine when we've (humanity) joined the dinosaurs in the museums.

[The Collective.]

I'll put that on my must read list. Sounds like a technocrat to me.

[mr_anderson]

Abolish democracy to save the planet ?

Yes, Yes, Yes .... so long as Im the one in charge !