[lbo-talk] Universal Asceticism and Social Levelling

[Russell Grinker]

I drive a VW Golf: nice car, not exactly the epitome of luxury, but given
the scary accident rate over here, I really appreciate the extra airbags.
Also we have virtually no urban public transport where I live (a city of 880
000 people which extends about 100km in diameter). James defends drivers
against those who would see us all on foot, on a bike or using lousy public
transport, but I believe still gets around on pedal power. 

Climate change sceptics? I think we agree that it is changing; sceptical
about the extent of human impact on this, yes, and opposed to the sacrifices
and austerity measures increasingly being suggested. From where I sit, it
also looks as if the South will be asked to pay disproportionately to 'put
things right'. Thanks to the 'new asceticism', sustainable development just
got even less sustainable.

-----Original Message-----
From: lbo-talk-bounces at lbo-talk.org [mailto:lbo-talk-bounces at lbo-talk.org]
On Behalf Of Doug Henwood
Sent: 15 July 2007 09:42 PM
To: lbo-talk at lbo-talk.org
Subject: Re: [lbo-talk] Universal Asceticism and Social Levelling

On Jul 15, 2007, at 2:31 PM, Russell Grinker wrote:


> Surely this is just a teensy weensie distortion Doug? I can't  
> absolutely
> vouch for James, but we always pointed to the social limitations of
> innovations that are profit-driven. It's all in the archives,  
> honest guv!

Just teasin', sorta, but you guys love your cars and are climate  
change skeptics, no?

Doug