From: Subir Grewal <grewals@acf2.nyu.edu>
Date: Mon, 27 May 1996 03:46:19 +0800
To: David Rosoff <drosoff@arc.unm.edu>
Subject: Re: [SCARE]:  "If you only knew what we know..."
In-Reply-To: <1.5.4.16.19960525030725.34bfb678@arc.unm.edu>
Message-ID: <Pine.ULT.3.92.960525102600.14671D-100000@acf2.NYU.EDU>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain


-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----

On Fri, 24 May 1996, David Rosoff wrote:

<text on the general standard of humanity using Lord of the Flies
as an illustration deleted>

I think an insight your analysis may benefit by is that certain
institutions/societal norms create incetives for "corrupt politicians".
Hayek argues against the "benevolent dictator" concept because he says no
gentle person would ever aspire to be a dictator.  The system itself calls
for people who are ruthless to take the reins.  A similar argument can be
made for the various functions of a modenr democracy (like the US).  It is
rarely that we hear of a considerate IRS auditor, or a principled
politician.  The structures themselves call for and promote those who (in
that an individual is more successful if they) are corrupt, power-hungry,
unprincipled and ruthless.

As for Assasination Politics, I can understand such proposals in jest.  I
too say things to appear controversial.  As a serious political structure,
however, it is reprehensible.  Murder cannot be condoned (as a pacifist,
the argument that politicians create wars and must be killed for that
reason does not hold much water for me) and the proponents of such systems
would do well to look more closely at the systemic ills rather than
individuals.  The argument that AP is an institutional dis-incentive for
"bad" representatives that offsets other incentives is problematic since I
do not believe the methods are just.

hostmaster@trill-home.com * Symbiant test coaching * Blue-Ribbon * Lynx 2.5
WHERE CAN THE MATTER BE

	Oh, dear, where can the matter be
	When it's converted to energy?
	There is a slight loss of parity.
	Johnny's so long at the fair.

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: 2.6.2
Comment: Key Escrow = Conscription for the masses | 2048 bit via finger

iQB1AwUBMacbxRwDKqi8Iu65AQEn3AMAwCh+WWQsUrL1cnfZElzNmqexngXs4rAo
Pz4ztTXpGPLxLMAKO5qcGNmI7yT8DP1rVH21EumZG700jQ18pH/7NWQj1RnAK3ZQ
pJInW4kZ3iEjFKhCto0TzVOYEwMkZrrK
=Wlte
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----