A couple of great websites relating to this debate (both from USA):
www.rmi.org is the site of Rocky Mountain Institute. Shows that there are ways for towns to grow at their own pace, and for small local businesses to thrive and townsfolk prosper. www.reclaimdemocracy.org - restoring citizen democracy over corporations.
Good to remind ourselves that even if the US government leaves MMMUUUUUCCHH tobe desired, there are some great people in that country making great attempts to restore the balance.