Forum Post: The Price of Civilization

I have written a review of Sach's book, which you can find here: http://387442890115614373.weebly.com/

From my review: "His ideas are very much in alignment with the Occupy Movement. Considering the policy recommendations he makes in his latest book, he is practically “our economist”, rivaled in that position only by Paul Krugman...

...He claims that the Federal Government is now in the lap of the “corporate lobby”, and that as a result America no longer has what it needs to be “globally competitive in a fair and sustainable economy"...

...Sach’s analysis begins with a discussion of the recent “Citizens United” Supreme Court case, and it is useful to include his quote of Justice Steven’s dissent: “Although they make enormous contributions to our society, corporations are not actually members of it… The financial resources, legal structure, and instrumental orientation of corporations raise legitimate concerns about their role in the electoral process”...

...But what to do about it? Sachs proposes seven specific reforms that he believes would help..."

His proposed strategies include: 1) Set clear goals and benchmarks- specifically ten year economic objectives. 2) Mobilize Expertise- because the problems facing us are becoming more interconnected and complex. 3) Make Multiyear Plans- Sachs apparently is referring to the annual budgetary process. 4) Be Mindful of the Far Future- Sachs specifically mentions conservation policies and the National Park Service 5) End Corporatocracy- in some ways, considering the recent Occupy movements happening in many major American cities, this is the most timely section of the book. 6) Restore Public Management- by reducing the subcontracting of key government services, reducing the number of political appointments at the agency executive level, and strengthening the audit/evaluation arm of the government 7) Decentralize Services- ...“The most powerful tool for breaking extreme poverty is a holistic community-based development strategy that combines vocational training and job placement, early childhood development, educational upgrading, and local infrastructure”

Please read the full review at http://387442890115614373.weebly.com/