Robin Hahnel writes: >>In both macro institutions -- like participatory planning -- and micro institutions like workers and consumers councils there are better and worse ways to organize equitable cooperative decision making. Debates about such procedures should be at the top of progressive economists think/research agendas -- though they seldom are.<< right! we need to figure out how to improve democratic procedures. Under capitalism, of course, all the incentives are such that the powerful do not want to improve such procedures. Also, about the idea that participatory planning would be like an endless student council meeting (which I think was what Nancy Folbre said to Doug Henwood, if my memory serves me): the problem with student council meetings (as with the recent Dole/Clinton election) was that the students have no power; the principal remains in power. Under Robin & Mike Albert's scheme (if it works as promised), the voting would actually have an impact. That would encourage a different kind of politics, a different dynamic. in pen-l solidarity, Jim Devine [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Econ. Dept., Loyola Marymount Univ. 7900 Loyola Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045-8410 USA 310/338-2948 (daytime, during workweek); FAX: 310/338-1950 "It takes a busload of faith to get by." -- Lou Reed.
