I think that Ayers makes a lot of good ol’ idealistic points. Regardless of how unaware of the world they are, I still resonate with them.

People are materialistic becuase we are wired hunter/gatherers. The better you are at hunting and gathering the more (generally positive) attention and admiration you get from other people, particularly the opposite sex. To remove this requires repressing an innate drive, something most people are against (it makes them misserable). Add the reinforcing effect of capitalism, rewarding skill in acquisition and consumption and the painting is complete. The outdated idea that simply viewing our behavior in a philospohical light (for those who are capable) will cause us to use less is very naive. If you want to cause a cultural shift (yes consumption is part of our culture) we need a politico-philospohical system that supports it.

Yes, and how many of us if we worked 3 days a week would actively participate in “…social action and the arts…”? I know there would be plenty of recreation and sports. What would we do when the rest of the world didn’t match us and was able to develop the trillion dollar military that we could no longer afford?

I somewhat disagree over the disparagement of Obama’s fundraising. It was grossly excessive, but it was easily accomplished because people were so fed up and were doing everything they could (committing time, money, and yes, also voting). Could he have been elected with half as much money? yes. a tenth as much? I think so. If not, it’s a compromise I’m willing to take so we can move forward.