It is instructive to juxtapose the current blind faith in markets to deliver freedom, happiness and economic development (Comment, September 2) with the US government's pathetic attempts to deal with the major disaster brought about by Hurricane Katrina. Markets cannot deliver aid to those who need it, although they can deliver excellent pictures of their suffering. Governments, including our own, must recognise that prior to being consumers demanding choice, people are citizens demanding adequate social services, citizens with rights and responsibilities. And people, including those advocating less government, must recognise that civilised life requires a properly functioning and properly funded state bureaucracy that can deliver services to its citizens.
Prof Yiannis GabrielThe recent surge in oil prices and the knock-on effect caused by hurricane Katrina will bring US petrol prices at the pump into line with those that UK consumers are used to. This will, perhaps, offer market discipline to help the US to wise up on climate change. Our research shows that UK consumers are responding to water shortages and rising energy prices by trying to live more sustainably. Perhaps consumers can make a virtue out of a necessity: as fossil fuel gets more expensive, at least the costs of going green fall.
Ed Mayo
National Consumer Council
Imperial College, London
