I wrote this on my Facebook wall the other day and people seemed to like it so I’m reposting here :
ok so I read a few dismissive updates from people on the occupy Sydney thing and feel I need to respond so here goes:
1. yes the US is further along the destructive path of rampant consumer capitalism but have no doubt Australia is on that same path. Just look at the latest ABS report … The wealthiest 20% of Australian households have increased their average net worth 15% since 2005-06 (CPI adjusted), while the poorest 20% of households saw only a 4% rise.
2. Our banks may not have been bailed out by our govt with our money but they don’t need too - they gauge us directly and skip the middle man making billion dollar profits while still charging massive ATM and other fees that the yanks wouldnt dream of paying (see Bank of Americas saga over introducing monthly fees)
3. Our democracy is not working too well im sorry to inform the patriotic souls who thought that we have it pretty much right. My evidence? haaa, well its hard to pick the most compelling proof from so many but how about the astounding way in which a few companies with deep pockets were able to depose a Prime Minister, outspend and out strategize a government and hold it ransom to their demands to pay less tax? Doesnt the mining super profit tax fiasco make you question who’s governing the country, really?
4. There’s a whole swag of reasons why Aussies should be calling for radical overhauling of our systems of government and resource allocation to respond to myriad of local issues but beyond that anyone who thinks that what happens overseas in the US and elsewhere doesnt concern us is perhaps not paying enough attention to be commenting. we’re connected like never before through complex financial, political, technological and physical systems no one understands. So beyond the moral obligation to act in support of those less fortunate than us there is a very practical and even selfish one, we are part of the SAME SYSTEM.
So of course this isn’t comprehensive but theres a few quick reasons why we should not only support the occupy movement, but join it. A better world is not only possible it’s manifesting right now.
