Silent Theft

Silent Theft is a new book campaigning for the concept of the commons:
It should be stressed that protecting the commons is about maintaining a balance, not bashing business. It is self-evident that we need markets. It is far less clear -- particularly to businesses operating within markets -- that we also need commons. A society in which every transaction must be mediated by the market, in which everything is privately owned and strictly controlled, will come to resemble a medieval society -- a world of balkanized fiefdoms in which every minor satrap demands tribute for the right to cross his land or ford his streams. The flow of commerce and ideas -- and the sustainability of innovation and democratic culture - will be seriously impeded. Furthermore, such a market-dominated society is not likely to cultivate the sense of trust and shared commitments that any functioning society must have.

So the issue is not market versus commons. The issue is how to set equitable and appropriate boundaries between the two realms - semi-permeable membranes --so that the market and the commons can each retain its integrity while invigorating the other. That equilibrium is now out of balance as businesses try to exploit all available resources, including those that everyone owns and uses in common.
This sounds promising; there is a problem of commons over-reach too...