Logic

Watching The Secret State is an exercise in masochism for me, rather like reading Private Eye used to be. It has, however, clarified something for me that I hadn't clearly articulated, an unpalatable conclusion that I think needs to be faced. Now you may disagree with one or both of my premises, but I'd like to ask you if I may to accept them as a given for the sake of this argument and see if my conclusion follows logically therefrom.

PREMISE 1: the power of the global megacorporations has grown out of proportion, to the point where they are, right now in this real world, effectively above the law.

PREMISE 2: this is a bad thing and something should be done about it.

So, here's my chain of logic resulting from these two premises:

1. If any national government initiates action to reduce or curtail the power of global capitalism, the corporations will, as a matter of sheer self-defence, institute counter-measures which will cause widespread hardship and suffering among the population.

2. Therefore, in order for such action to succeed, the leader of such a government must be (a) strong enough to pursue such action to the end regardless of consequences, and (b) not dependent on public support to maintain his rule.

3. Therefore,the only kind of government capable of breaking the power of big business and restoring democracy is...a totalitarian dictatorship.

Am I wrong?

I have a great deal for which to be thankful

And I try to remember that all the time. But this last week or so has been a real eye-opener.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart to everyone who kindly and generously responded to my scream for help. I don't know where I would be now if not for that.

The next part of Tetrad is up now. I will then be Cosmically Trifling over the weekend, and hope to resume bunging things up on the new pages thereafter.

Any comments and suggestions as to how I could improve the pages, what sort of thing you'd like to see, or would rather not see, are very very welcome. Please.

I have a great deal for which to be thankful...

And I try to remember that all the time. But this last week or so has been a real eye-opener.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart to everyone who kindly and generously responded to my scream for help. I don't know where I would be now if not for that.

The next part of Tetrad is up now. I will then be Cosmically Trifling over the weekend, and hope to resume bunging things up on the new pages thereafter.

Any comments and suggestions as to how I could improve the pages, what sort of thing you'd like to see, or would rather not see, are very very welcome. Please.