Message-ID: <3302532E.5CFC@mind.net> Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 23:33:02 +0000 From: "B. Diamond" <mailto:bdiamond@mind.net> Subject: Re: THEORY: Population and Development To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
mailto:EUNSteve@AOL.COM wrote:> You really have to believe what you believe despite all evidence of its
> falsity.
>
> You are a True Believer, stuck in your view of the capitalist villains and
> noble poor, unable to rid yourself of those tired explanations which in the
> short and long run leave world capitalism unchanged and hurt only the poor
> you care about.
>
> Meanwhile, this villainous country, or at least some of us in it, will try to
> do something substantial for the poor you care about.
Mr. Eskow is guilty of practicing the age-old and time-tested formula for maintianing the status-quo:
Step 1. Denial. Deny that any problems exist, provide proof of this via corporate-backed entities like the Heritage foundation and their "scientists." Also called "ostrichism," sticking your head in the sand hoping all the problems (not that there are any) will go away.
Step 2. Stall. Couples nicely with the denial process, but eventually public pressure will demand that something be done, so stall the process by asking for yet another scientific study, or the next legislative session, or whatever. Also, protracted debate about the veracity of claims against your cause can also eat up a great deal of time and energy.
Step 3. Divide and Conquer. A united front is a powerful front, as much as possible create in-fighting and antagonism amongst those groups who seek to expose your agenda--they can't put up a good fight against you if they're too busy fighting each other.
Step 4. Public Relations. When all else fails, make a token gesture of benevolance--and publicize the heck out of it.
The net result? Tthe maintenance of the status-quo.
BD