Governments (decent ones at least) should be elected representatives of the people, surely that makes them the best body to supply honors? I personally wish the Queen would have total control in this area though in the UK, as she is technically still the head of state.
'merit' as a concept doesnt have to be in opposition to any of the qualities mentioned, i dont believe democracy is about abolishing hierarchy, as much as it is offering equal opportunity into it.
Ironically im more worried by Apple, which can manipulate customers left, right and center to make an extra buck:
- Overpriced hardware
- inconsistent pricing of products internationally
- making deals with telecoms companies locking iphone users to certain providers
- non-open platforms such as OSX and iOS
- taking the free out of freebsd
They are walking a close line themselves in promoting the anti-democratization of technology
'merit' as a concept doesnt have to be in opposition to any of the qualities mentioned, i dont believe democracy is about abolishing hierarchy, as much as it is offering equal opportunity into it.
Ironically im more worried by Apple, which can manipulate customers left, right and center to make an extra buck: - Overpriced hardware - inconsistent pricing of products internationally - making deals with telecoms companies locking iphone users to certain providers - non-open platforms such as OSX and iOS - taking the free out of freebsd
They are walking a close line themselves in promoting the anti-democratization of technology