Dark Thoughts on a Bright November Morning
By Donella Meadows
–November 10, 1988–
The morning after the election I woke up feeling bruised all over.
The networks were being celebratory and conciliatory, appropriate for the day when the nation has to come back together again. Dukakis was unemotional (no surprise) and gracious. Bush was saying nice things about him, finally. The pundits were drawing the obvious lessons: 1. Negative campaigns [...]
We’re not Choosing Values, We’re Choosing Assumptions
By Donella Meadows
–October 27, 1988–
“This election is about values,” says George Bush, without mentioning which values. He can’t mention them, because in fact the election is not about values at all.
Michael Dukakis and George Bush both revere the values that all Americans and all human beings hold dear. No one is against family solidity, against justice or freedom or life [...]
Drugs in the Bloodstream of Democracy
By Donella Meadows
–October 6, 1988–
The members of the International Olympics Committee pointed out clearly and calmly, after they stripped Ben Johnson of his gold medal, that if they don’t enforce fair competition, the whole game will fall into ruin. Referees have to be present at every match to call fouls. Candidates who soup up their performance with drugs must be [...]
After the Treaty What Happens to the Bombs?
By Donella Meadows
–January 14, 1988–
In their debate in Hanover last week the Republican candidates raised a question that’s been bothering me for weeks. What will happen to the nuclear bombs that are to be removed from Europe under the INF treaty?
I’ve been going around asking ever since Reagan and Gorbachev signed the agreement, and I’ve been getting all sorts of [...]
