Bruce
Say NO to globalization
Well, Emma asked me to mail this, so, blame her *grins* ;) Sorry it took me so long, anyway, but it took me a while to get it all finished. Anyway, it's a anti-globalization leaflet, and while this might be familiar to some of you already *winks at Irv* I thought it wouldn't hurt to share. Oh, yes, it's a translation from Croatian, so it may sound weird at times, since it can be a bit of a problem sometimes to translate it and maintain some sense of style, and I've inserted explanations for some specific local things.
Bruce (Branko Dodig)
Say NO to globalization
Today globalization is provided as the only solution, but what is it after, and what has it achieved so far?
-Lowering of the standard of living in the whole world, even in the developed western countries -Destruction of democracy, especially in pooorer countries -Deterioration of the human rights conditioons, especially the right to a decent life
The examples of developed capitalist economies with their booming industries are pushed under our noses, but, while the GDP per citizen grows, the standard of living decreases. Sharing of the GDP goes more and more to the benefit of bosses and owners, while the worker's part is decreasing. The greatest part of the world's populace lives in misery, poverty and despair, while the leaders of globalization are celebrating the economic "miracles".
How far will it go?
We've seen in Croatia the results of a policy that stood for the interests of the rich, or even criminals (government corruption and all was quite commonplace here in the last 10 years ) sometimes, terming these "national interests". A similar model was used in almost every country that got out of the "darkness" of socialism. (terming socialism darkness is a relatively new Croatian thing, among all other kinds of labels applied for the sake of historical engineering) What's the result? Standard of living is constantly falling, except for the privileged 5% of the populace, and criminal rates are higher then ever. Privatization has destroyed our industry, and has put people in the position they aren't sure will they have anything to eat today, while unemployment is still growing.
How far will it go?
If you think you're helpless about it, work together with others, boycott large corporations, stand up for your rights, and don't allow anyone to deceive you with stories about "national interests". You alone know your own interests!