[PEN-L:34257] Re: positional goods problem redux

[Sabri Oncu <soncu@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Naomi Klein in the article Ian sent:

> For some, the hijacking of the World Social Forum
> by political parties and powerful men is proof that
> the movements against corporate globalisation are
> finally maturing and "getting serious". But is it
> really so mature, amidst the graveyard of failed
> left political projects, to believe that change will
> come by casting your ballot for the latest charismatic
> leader, then crossing your fingers and hoping for the
> best? Get serious.

Some years ago, during the Prag days, when Naomi quoted me saying
"Wherever they go, we shall be there!" without giving my name in
a Nation article, we had an exchange.

At the time I wrote to her something like this:

"We are looking at a problem for which we don't know whether
there exists a solution and, if exists, whether it is unique or
not. We don't even have a definition of the problem yet. So, see
you in Prag. After that, see you in Washington. After that, see
you in ....

Until the problem is defined!"

I hold that even on that day when we manage to define it, if we
can, I don't think the solutions many of us will find will be
identical. So, I still don't understand what she is complaining
about.

As I said then:

Until the problem is defined!

Best,

Sabri