Politics is passing strange. An upset win in a special election in Massachusetts puts an end to cap-and-trade, the notion of trading carbon offsets. Get out of carbon trading while you can. It’s over. Obama’s hysterical notions about “green jobs” and massive subsidies for “green projects” which make no economic, moral, or common, sense have been ended although it will take a few years for the ghost to disappear.
That some people are wrong is inevitable. I only get angry when they’re wrong with my money.
from the book: Shadow Dancing on the Grave of Hope:
Why Isn’t It Better?
Powerful programs are not run because; 1) they are more difficult, requiring a lot of effort in researching, formulating and carrying out and effort is generally only put forward when necessary. Typical programs are much easier because they have no criteria to meet. When introducing a new topic, for example, the teacher can engage in "stream of consciousness" or "automatic talking" without worry about following any principles of instruction. All he has to do is “cover” the material. Doing things improperly is much easier because it requires much less planning, record keeping and keeping track of data sheets and exercise sheets, 2) practitioners tend to rely on "experience" and personal contacts rather than looking for successful programs, 3) practitioners are prone to influence from laymen by explaining, conceptualizing and carrying out programs in a layman-like manner and having their ineffective practices reinforced by laymen who understand and agree with the principles and by other practitioners who believe in the importance of consensus..
In order to be effective, the social services need to a) evaluate constantly and consistently every part of every program and especially evaluate how well the program works, b) change their basic assumptions from internal, hypothetical causation to environmental causation which can be changed, c) operate programs which are systematic that can be carried out by everyone in the same way. Program integrity is essential. If the program is not being done as described, the program that is evaluated will not be the program that is done, d) set up programs so that the procedures are carried out efficiently on a day-to-day basis. Staff training is important but staff maintenance secures program integrity after training. Training only lasts a small percentage of the time but maintenance lasts forever, e) avoid political influence. A program set up because of political considerations such as gender, race, class or ethnic sensitivity will fail as hundreds of others have failed. A polgram is not a program and there is no value in implementing it., f) A trained, effective practitioner is exceptional and should be valued like a rare jewel., g) It is almost impossible to create a good program within the existing educational, clinical or correctional structure. Indifference, sabotage and worse will ensure the non-success of any program which causes the members of a government organization to relinquish power or put forth more effort by requiring them to change their standard. lackadaisical approach.
Cheerio and ttfn,
Grant Coulson
Cui Bono–Cherchez les Contingencies
