The Shock Doctrine

A new book by Naomi Klein called The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism sounds like a must read.

To see a short video that demonstrates what The Shock Doctrine is about, go here. The video links in with a discussion that PolCat and I had on yesterday's entry:
More War
and then
my response.

One of Klein's arguments is that a government can make use of natural disasters while the populace is in shock due to the natural disaster. The government can use this period of passivity and shock to put forth laws and policies that further the interests of the ruling classes and whatever administration is in power. Plus, we have a tendency during those periods right after a disaster to follow a leader that promises to protect us. The economist, Milton Friedman, and his followers were drawn to the power of shock. I'd really like to read more about this.

If you'd like to hear Naomi Klein talk in person about her book, click here for a list of tour dates.

So, is a disaster coming our way ... let's say sometime before the elections of 2008? Take a deep breath and think on it. Tell us what you think.

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