Mander's thesis on capitalism and the environment applies equally to "democracy" and the environment: The problem is that both are geared toward short-term results, while survival in this century demands long-term solutions. The CEO who argues for responsible, ecologically sound business practices will be sacked at the next board meeting, because the immediate sacrifices he calls for won't keep pace with the competition on this year's earnings statements. Likewise, the governor or president who campaigns for "sacrifices for the sake of our grandchildren" will lose the next election to some demagogue, who applauds our work ethic, tells us we're doing great, and promises to cut our taxes.