Do We Trust Markets or Ourselves?

Keynes biographer and economist Robert Skidelsky makes a convincing case that we do not have to follow the dictates of financial institutions in devastating the lives of the vulnerable in order to appease markets. Thus he notes

The tension between democracy and finance is at the root of today’s rising discontent in Europe. Popular anger at budget cuts imposed at the behest of speculators and bankers has toppled leaders in Ireland and Portugal, and is forcing the Spanish prime minister into retirement.

And I would suggest it is at the root of a resurgent NDP. People are fed up with a disgustingly wealthy financial sector telling us we must tighten our belts and toadying politicians working for them instead of us.

If we want our world back, we need to take it back.