I can only quote (paraphrase) the last sentence of Joyce's Ulysses -- yes, yes and yes! This is indeed the time to rethink the values and models of development, from economics to politics to human relations more generally. You are right (without using the term) that the Washington Consensus that held sway for the past decades as the dominant model for development is long overdue for change -- in fact, it is already happening as new centers of global power and influence emerge offering new thinking, as we all stumble ahead looking for the new paradigms (including communication paradigms) that will get us out of the crisis and maybe maybe save the planet. Obama is just one sign of hope amidst the darkness and it's important to remember the millions of people around the planet whose hopes and work and resistance are driving the change he may or may not help bring about.

Your reminiscence of UNICEF -- I was there too at the time -- is useful to make your larger point, but don't forget "Development with a Human Face", Jim Grant and Richard Jolly's evidence-based challenge to the dominant development model at the time pushed by the World Bank that imposed Structural Adjustment on developing countries in the service of unfettered markets taking a huge toll in human lives. It called moderately but courageously for people-centered development. And of course there were countless others in civil society and academia at the time saying much more boldly that the Emperor was wearing no clothes and pushing for progressive change.

But it's true what you say, there was a kind of social norm of acceptance of inequality and poverty as the "temporary" price of growth that would, we were assured, eventually trickle down to the poor. The mirage is being dispelled now, at long last, but it looks like the crisis is only beginning. Turning it into opportunity means, I am convinced, humbly admitting that no-one fully understands either the nature of the crisis or its solution, and starting to rethink everything, listening and learning from one another. In line with the topic of your blog, I'm looking forward to the report of the "Stigltiz Commission", appointed by the President of the UN General Assembly, that's due out soon with recommendations on overcoming the global crisis and reforming the international financial institutions, in the lead up to the High Level UN GA Conference planned for early June. Hopefully we'll see the outlines of a new paradigm and some bold solutions from the G192, as Father Descoto calls it. Keep up the good work, Warren and CI! -- Robert Cohen