David Korten: Mapping Uncharted Economic Waters

from YES! Magazine:




Mapping Uncharted Economic Waters
We're trying to fix the economic crisis with the same thinking that created it. Next time, we can be prepared with a map to something better.

by David Korten
posted Jun 14, 2011


I am among those who hoped that President Obama, based on his campaign promises, would introduce reforms putting the United States on the path to a New Economy.

Unfortunately, for all the powers of the presidency, any new president, no matter what his intention, quickly learns that he is captive to institutional forces that severely limit his ability to set a course for uncharted waters.

For example, once elected, the first task of a new president is to staff the top positions of the world’s most complex and sprawling bureaucracy. He is necessarily limited to selecting appointees from a small pool of people with the experience and credentials to win speedy confirmation and step instantly, with confidence and authority, into impossibly complex jobs.

Those so qualified will almost inevitably be practiced in working within the established institutional and policy frames and disinclined to challenge the foundations of the institutions on which their power and prestige depend. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/david-korten/mapping-uncharted-waters

He goddamned president isn't that limited in who he picks IF he fights for them.