Thereâs a quote often attributed, perhaps incorrectly, to the great economist John Maynard Keynes that âCapitalism is the extraordinary belief that the nastiest of men for the nastiest of motives will somehow work for the benefit of all.â The absurdity of this notion is being played out in real time in the form of smoke-filled air and rolling blackouts in Northern California, courtesy of the stateâs largest monopoly, Pacific, Gas & Electric, better known as PG&E. This week on Sea Change Radio, journalist Ben Ehrenreich joins the show to discuss his piece in The Nation on PG&E and the utility companyâs most recent episode of malfeasance. Ehrenreich provides an overview of PG&E putting profits before people, looks at some possible solutions to the problem and reminds us that capitalismâs nastiness is often at odds with a healthy planet.
Track: Get On Down Artist: Eddie Harris Album: I Need Some Money Label: Atlantic Year: 1975
Track: Cinder And Smoke Artist: Iron & Wine Album: Our Endless Numbered Days Label: Sub Pop Year: 2004