The Other Culture War: Beleaguered Professionals vs. Disempowered Citizens
 | By David Brin Amazon, 2005, Digital |
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The first part of the 21st Century has been framed by terrorist attacks and natural disasters that tested our competence at two basic skills – anticipation and resiliency. Do lessons from 9/11 and Katrina show us becoming better prepared? Or worse with each passing day? While much attention has focused on failings of the political caste, this article is not about politics as it is normally perceived, along a dismal “left–right axis.” There is another way to view recent calamities, one that exposes a growing tension between citizens and their professional protectors. It may be time to talk about how competence sometimes works… and why it often doesn’t. (All profits from sale of this article will go to programs that stimulate citizen empowerment.)
Title: The Other Culture War: Beleaguered Professionals vs. Disempowered Citizens
Sales Rank: 1149242 in Books
Author: David Brin
Publisher: Amazon, 2005-10-31, Digital, 13 pages
- Balanced and Insightful
- Mr. Brin brings a balanced and insightful perspective to the issues surrounding the official reaction to Katrina and, to a lesser extent, to 9/11. Such an approach is rare. Even more rare, he treats with respect the professionals who put their lives at risk for the rest of the population while at the same time exposing dangerous trends among some of that group's… More reviews
- Telling Points
- Mr. Brin makes a compelling argument for citizen power in the face of official disarray. He also exposes how an "effective" official response can stymie the purpose and ability of well-meaning citizens. Definitely not the sort of thing you've had drilled into your head since you were a child. Well worth a read. More reviews
