Discuss the future of labor and the economy via "Lights in the Tunnel"

The future of labor and the economy seems to be a popular meme right now. Will we need to fundamentally restructure our economy in the face of accelerating automation? Do we need to find ways to monetize what people do with their hearts and minds as Lanier suggests? Or should we just give everyone $25,000 a year to drive consumption as Marshall Brain has suggested (http://marshallbrain.com/robotic-freedom.htm)?

Bill J has suggested that we discuss "Lights in the Tunnel" by Martin Ford. It's available free as a PDF here: http://www.thelightsinthetunnel.com/ The basic premise is that automation will remove enough jobs and thus consumers from the economy to cause a collapse.

Robin found this related interview with Jaron Lanier: http://edge.org/conversation/the-local-global-flip

The Economist just issued a special report on this topic as well:

http://www.economist.com/node/21528433

*** Please note that this is a Sunday meetup to accomodate those who can't make it on Saturdays.

I want to schedule this meetup more frequently, possibly twice a month. Please let me know if you think this is too often.