Michael Perelman
Mon, 02 Jul 2001 10:40:46 -0700
The Ehrilich phenomenon is very important. Here is someone who thoughtlessly threw out all sort of misanthropic stuff, worrying about overpopulation. In the process, I think that he learnt quite a bit about political economy. In one of his books, he takes on the corporate influence of science. I don't think of his as a socialist or even a leftist. I suspect that he has not jettisoned all or even perhaps most of his anti-immigrant sentiments, although he does not seem to advertise them. He is, like the rest of us, a very imperfect creature. Do we then write off what he has to say -- even when it makes sense -- just because we are repelled by some of his early enthusiasms? I think that we are too quick to denounce figures because of one specific association or position. At the same time, we should be vigilant, using a person's earlier activities and positions so look for the context in which they propose one thing or another. -- Michael Perelman Economics Department California State University Chico, CA 95929 Tel. 530-898-5321 E-Mail [EMAIL PROTECTED]