Here is an interesting article involving productivity, shopping and government:
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/2962An interesting quote from the article is:
"As far back as 1835, Boston workingmen striking for shorter hours declared that they needed time away from work to be good citizens: “We have rights, and we have duties to perform as American citizens and members of society.” As those workers well understood, any meaningful democracy requires citizens who are empowered to create and re-create their government, rather than a mass of marginalized voters who merely choose from what is offered by an “invisible” government. Citizenship requires a commitment of time and attention, a commitment people cannot make if they are lost to themselves in an ever-accelerating cycle of work and consumption."
I think this is more true today than ever. When citizens don't have the time or inclination to perform their role in government, there tends to develop a ruling class that accrues more and more authority. When significantly more young adults vote to choose a pop singer than vote in an election for public office, what does that say about our future?
Mik Robertson
