Don’t be fooled
In a conversation yesterday with G, we talked about how institutional and political leaders can agree on “regionalism” from two opposite intentions.
One group suggests regionalism as a strategy for expanding the centralization of power; another suggests regionalism as a strategy for expanding the distribution of power.
Replace “regionlism” with any popular macro strategy that seems like a great idea on the surface. It could be jobs, global competition, or better education. It’s a good lesson in how not to be fooled by the appearance of consensus on strategy.
February 20th, 2006 06:22
Shalom Jack,
Your take on Regionalism is identical to a maxim that I’ve used to tell whether or not any political movement is a good one. It is simply that:
If it expands the powerbase, it’s good.
If it maintains or restricts the powerbase, it’s bad.
B’shalom,
Jeff
February 20th, 2006 06:53
Is this a bit like statistics? Claiming to be an accurate science than yet always misused to provide the numbers that one needs to gain credibility?
February 20th, 2006 10:11
Jack,
I hope you are counting our efforts in the latter category…that certainly was/is our goal.
And if it isn’t coming off that way, or if there is more I need to do, please let me know.
February 20th, 2006 10:35
Yes Jeff, this maxim holds true in the case here in NE Ohio. The reference to stats reminds me of how institutions can do research to prove their agenda; never mind that you can’t “prove” the market potential of some high-end innovation because by definition they are things that “surprise the imagination of the market” (my definition of innovation.)
As for transparency of intention, Chris, my question would be about the metrics you would use or are using to measure the distribution of power resulting from “regional growth efforts.” More complicated in my mind is building a business case for more power distribution than increased footprint of power centralization.
In a deficieny-lens world, distribution of power is loss of power; in an appreciative world, it is the gain of power.
February 20th, 2006 14:13
Politicians, institutions and political institutions. If they really looked at issues and based their decisions on the most positive impact on humanity, it would then not be about power, but of growth not limited to social, cultural and economic. Of course it is sunny outside and I have my rose-colored glasses on indoors.