[PEN-L:11688] taking stock

[Michael Perelman <michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am in Hollywood for my nephew's wedding.  Wierd.  More of that later.

For now, I am concerned about the turn that the list is taking.  Yes,
lots of good information with no prospect of a resolution, but still too
much arrogance and invective.

I have given the right answer and I have the correct data, but you fools
refuse .....

In the first place the issues are important:  How do we learn from data
and theory?  What role did colonial pillage play?

Second.  I see no reason why we have to stubbornly insist on either/or
positions.  Spain stole gold and did not develop, as everybody agrees,
and I would add, because it did not have the appropriate social
relations in place to develop.  England did because it had transformed
agricultural relations in the countryside.  I do not insist that you all
agree with me on that point, but it reflects the idea that we can
transcend the either/or.

I have only been able to skim the debates for the last 2 days.  When I
return, I will have to start unsubbing people who continue to get into
the unnecessary nastiness.

--

Michael Perelman
Economics Department
California State University
michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Chico, CA 95929
530-898-5321
fax 530-898-5901