The Logic of Collective Action

The combination of individual interest and common interests in an organization suggests an analogy with a competitive market.

The logic of collective action has come under attack in recent decades.  “Big government” is taboo in politics, since the days of President Bill Clinton.  As recently demonstrated in Wisconsin, the power of collective bargaining has been greatly diminished with corporate interest realizing more influence than ever; according to the Supreme Court, corporations are people who have freedom of speech – translated into unlimited dollars.  The net result is that the 1% benefits on the backs of the disenfranchised.  A couple of days ago, President Obama was in Flint, Michigan in a continuing effort to address the water crisis.  In his remarks he reminded us that there are some things that we cannot do alone, no matter how wealthy or intelligent we may be.  There are some things we must do collectively, thru government. 

I chose this sentence because it speaks to current events, which I find most instructive.