If we measure democracy
by whether living standards are improving, then it has failed us in the last
decade. Lots of solutions are being proposed. Some are about reform of the
instruments of democracy, such as codes of conduct for politicians. Others are about
increasing participation by we the people in democracy through things like
citizen’s assemblies. They’re all good but they wouldn’t help reverse the
decline in our quality of life. To do that, we need a well thought out long
term plan. Now there is a way to build that together. See how at https://johnmenadue.com/our-democracy-is-broken-but-it-can-be-fixed/
As frustrating as it may be, our politics
is seeing a better-quality contest of ideas:
“The most reliable cure for
confirmation bias is interaction with people who don’t share your beliefs. They
confront you with counterevidence and counterargument. John Stuart Mill said,
“He who knows only his own side of the case, knows little of that,” and he
urged us to seek out conflicting views “from persons who actually believe
them.” People who think differently and are willing to speak up if they
disagree with you make you smarter, almost as if they are extensions of your
own brain.”
Stephen Walters, NSW Chief Economist, gave an excellent presentation at EY for the Sydney Financial Forum about the Australian economy and its prospects. Due to strong headwinds affecting energy prices, as well as inflation related to events in the Ukraine and China, he stressed the need for reform to improve productivity. Areas he considered need major reforms are:Tax incentivesEarly learningEmployment of WomenInternational migrationVocational educationEnergy - in ST ensure available supply meets demand. LT make transition to net zeroMake it easier for people to enter the housing marketConnect universities with ideas to possibilities for commercialisationBring more retired people back into the workforce
Lynn Wood
Glenn Barnes