Old hippies will remember taking ecology courses in which Malthusian limits to growth were discussed. In closed systems, predator-prey models illustrated life cycles in which species, if not individuals, co-existed harmoniously until issues like scarcity or overcrowding arose. The same principles apply to government as an organism, except the system is open. When faced with scarcity, the largely predatory organism of local government has sought to partner with state and federal governments, other local governments, or the private sector. Lake Junaluska had hoped to merge with Waynesville to live off its largesse until special legislation dashed those ambitions. Now, the little community must turn to its own citizens to satisfy its needs for increased revenue.
by Leslee Kulba
Wild West blogger