i certainly think we have enough history to show that democracy is not only morally better but better from a utilitarian point of view and whilst we are broadly winning it is still a long road

i know that's a little off topic but i still marvel at it and maybe i'm being too pessimistic about converging on the best economic model but i'm fasinated by the process

I agree on both counts. I think most individuals agree that democracy is preferable to fascism, communism, or anarchy, but the details concerning what specific factors constitute a successful democracy will always be debated.

i think we will converge on the best model -- I don't believe anybody has all the answers -- I don't think our models are there yet but it is an ongoing experiment with new challenges

The problem with working toward the "best" model is that different cultures and individuals have different core values. I want to live in a society in which individuals are in control of their own lives (financially and otherwise), and to me, that's more important than guaranteeing that everyone's needs will be met. There are those who disagree with me, and they will obviously have different concepts of what constitutes the best economic model for a society. What I consider failure, they consider success, and vice versa.

There has been a huge social price...

Such as?

RE: The Conservative Revival - New York Times