By Bill Falzett on 12/13/2006 12:42 AM

Experience shows us that in any group there are some who push the limits. You could call them competitive, energetic, creative, cheaters, or idealists. This phenomenon is a regular topic with social research. Garrett Hardin described the “tragedy of the commons” in 1968. The prototype is a village of fewer than 150 people that has common pastureland for their animals. As long as the group uses the pasture wisely, the animals and the village prosper. However, as soon as someone decides to push the limits or there is a competition for who is to be the most prosperous, the animal load on the pasture increases. The pasture becomes insuff ... Read More »

By Bill Falzett on 12/3/2006 1:21 AM

What makes a good democracy? Social and political scientists say it is proper management of the common wealth – things like forests, airwaves, air, water, natural resources, and our children – in the common good. First, proper management depends on open discussion and debate. Second, misuse of the commons should result in fair consequences.

 

Experience shows us that secrecy breeds deviant behavior. The more closed people are, the more they stray from the norm. The same circumstances occur when governments are closed to the people. The public, in order to be educated, must have open access to information.

& ... Read More »