The current debate concerning the merits or otherwise of an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is being shifted by the opposition leader Tony Abbott’s focus on how to reduce carbon output per se.  It is interesting that Mr. Abbott has used the term ‘direct action’ in facilitating this outcome.  ‘Direct Action’ is a Marxist concept concerned with devising activities, such as protest rallies, that challenge the functioning of the capitalist system.  Social Action by contrast accepts the legitimacy of a market economy but seeks to improve the operation of the system with the measure of success being its actual positive impact on people.