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Another dysfunctional economy? AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 04/19/2011

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Another dysfunctional economy?

AN OUTSIDERS VIEW
Ken Fuller
04/19/2011
In a book I read a few months ago, the author complains of “rule by a small elite – never democratic, often autocratic, usually plutocratic, and lately kleptocratic — all working with a tribal-feudal mind-set, “in the name of the people” with democratic camouflage. This small elite comprises feudal barons, tribal warlords, and politicians of all hues… Elections…involve shifting coalitions of different clans or tribes, negotiated by tribal or clan leaders, rather than appeals to independent voters. The system lends itself to incompetence and corruption, leading to poor governance. It creates the illusion of democracy because we do have elections; but we forget that elections are but a tool of democracy, not an end in themselves.”

Sound familiar? Maybe, but it’s Perez Musharraf writing of Pakistan in his 2006 memoir, In the Line of Fire..... MORE

SourceThe Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110419com4.html

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