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Tax Reform: More Questions than Answers
By Donella Meadows
–August 14, 1986–
It takes political courage to reform a tax system. The deepest, most difficult questions of democracy get raised. What is government really for? How much should we pay for it? Who should pay? What is fair?
Dangerous questions.
During this year of tax reform, I have been holding back my questions, because of something Jay Forrester at MIT [...]
We’re All Downwind from Seabrook
By Donella Meadows
–August 7, 1986–
Have you ever wondered what drives the people who are activists, who speak up and get involved? For instance, the folks who demonstrate against the Seabrook nuclear power plant — why do they do it?
On July 19 ten members of New Hampshire’s McLane family stood at the Seabrook gate. They carried signs saying “3 GENERATIONS OF [...]
Cory Aquino – A New Kind of Leader
By Donella Meadows
–July 31, 1986–
“Why have the media in your country started saying negative things about Cory Aquino?” asked my friend Maria, visiting from the Philippines. “They say she is weak, but I think I have never before seen such strength. Don’t people see that Cory is a new kind of leader?”
What do you mean, a new kind of leader?
“She [...]
Portugal’s Generation of Hope
By Donella Meadows
–July 24, 1986–
How is it that every now and then a society lets a whole generation get the idea that it can really solve problems?
Portugal, though it is the poorest country in Europe, with an income level equivalent to that of Mexico, is one of the most upbeat, exciting places in the world. Its young people are full [...]
All the White House Is a Stage
By Donella Meadows
–July 17, 1986–
Will Rogers said it’s not what we DON’T KNOW that will hurt us; it’s what we KNOW that ain’t so. Politics these days is more than usually full of things we know that ain’t so. My nominee for the person who has contributed most to the rising level of national delusion is Ronald Reagan.
The President is [...]
