"Affluenza": (Naylor on CSPAN) Is there a cure?

["John Gelles" <johng@xxxxxxxxxx>]

    Ive just listened on BOOK TV for an hour to
    Thomas Naylor, co-author of "Affluenza".

    Affluenza is the societal disease of buying what
    you don't need to calm your anxiety. It doesn't
    do this for long. Anxiety returns and, if you can,
    you buy more.

    Tied to affluenza is dependence of most modern
    economies on private instead of public spending.

    Conceivably, public spending could reduce the
    level of anxiety complained of. And, of course,
    if most private parties have no way to gain
    economic security (in a global economy bent on
    self-destructive profit -- with no thought of reform
    to make money bring economic security to the
    masses) then anxiety and aflu- (or wannabe-) enza
    is here to stay.

    Naylor ought to know better. The keys to the cure
    of affluenza are better elections and better money--
    designed to draw people into the issues that affect
    their lives and pay them the rewards of a more
    cooperative economic system.

    The disease is not hopless and  most resembles
    the addiction to professional sports that people
    have had for ages.

    Naylor never once mentioned reform of money
    so that government spending coud be freed to
    create the environment he seeks. Yet he is an
    information specialist with an interest in reform
    of political economy.