Ed is on to something here. I think it's political consumerism. Governments appeal to voters' desires now more than their needs. In the same way that big companies with tons of data, polls and surveys zero-in on us in a similar way.

One of Canada's most influential newspapers questioned a few days ago whether our prime minister was still a conservative. His new re-set of policies outlined in the Throne Speech was toward desire more than needs.

Health, education, Indian relations, environment? No, they're too integral to the country's needs. He led with roaming charges from cellphone companies, cable TV bundling, airline overbooking, hidden fees in credit and debit cards.

It's governments acting like big business and lobbies: connecting with disaffected shoppers with what we love to hate. Mussolini promised to make the trains run on time, Hitler to restore a nation's pride and primacy.

Governments are turning us into consumers. Their contracts with citizens are supposed to be about needs. Their positioning with laser precision on desires is a sure route to chaos. Shoot more, shop less.


Last edited by King Brown; 10/21/13 10:00 AM.