Arthur:
> The larger issue seems to be about the unmeasured costs of efficiency.
Not
> externalities, rather apparent efficiency which turns out not to be
> sustainable because it was short term efficiency. We have seen this in
> infrastructure (highways) and we see it elsewhere.
>
One can only wonder what will happen as the rich world shifts from
free-wheeling, inventive, opportunistic capitalism to a capitalism obsessed
with security. As we have already seen, security means endless checks, long
line-ups, reduced public and private mobility and a general slowing down of
economic activity. It could also, alas, mean populations which are much
more suspicious of each other and more reluctant to engage in friendly and
creative dialogue, or gather and work in high density areas. There have
already been reports of New Yorkers no longer wanting to go back to work.
They will, of course, but you can bet they will spend a lot of time looking
over their shoulders.
Ed Weick
