Humankind is currently facing three interrelated crises which threaten the very existence of civilization as we know it. And, while the Catholic Church, under the leadership of Pope Francis, has begun to focus attention on dangers of continuing down the road to "armageddon" and the need for systematic changes, the world's major government's seem oblivious to the situation. The clock is ticking; the time for business as usual is over.
The first, and ultimately most devastating, crisis is that of the environment. Since the advent of the industrial revolution, human society has displayed a reckless disregard for nature, using (and in some cases just destroying) resources faster than they can be renewed and upsetting delicate balances in nature - all in the name of economic growth and profit. Today we are already feeling the impact of two catastrophic and interrelated crises, depletion of water resources and global warming. Both of these crises are a threat to political and economic stability around the globe today or in the very near future. And what has been the response of governments around the world, and in particular, right here in the US? While Nero fiddles, the world is burning.
The second is the growth of inequality. Inequality in most industrialized countries has reached a point not seen since the 1920s, and in some cases surpassing that of the Gilded Age of the 1890s. The gap between rich and poor nations continues to grow wider. The concentration of wealth (and power - see the third crisis below) has created a bubble economy which is totally unsustainable and which has already produced the most significant economic crisis since the Great Depression. Despite the views of many mainstream "economists" (who function more as cheerleaders for the 1% than as serious analysts of what is happening), the recovery from the Great Recession has been minimal for most and it is likely that we will continue to experience periodic economic downturns followed by anemic recoveries (unless of course their policies or lack of policies lead us to the "big one").
Unfortunately, the prescription of most mainstream economic advisors (and many of the clowns running for President in the US) is restoring economic growth through austerity. This will lead to more "bubbles" based on borrowing and will contribute to both increased inequality (with even more wealth being transferred to the uber-rich) and to further environmental degradation. So why is this "solution" the one touted both here in the US and abroad (in the case of Greece - need I say more)?
Enter crisis number three - the crisis of democracy. In the US the basic ideas of democratic governance have been subverted by the massive influx of money from corporations and wealthy individuals; both major political parties and their candidates (with a few exceptions) are beholden to their large donors. As the case of Greece has demonstrated, the bankers can overrule the elected representatives of the people and impose their dictates (austerity, austerity and more austerity) on entire countries (something which third world countries and the citizens of Detroit have known for a long time). Once more the "golden rule" applies - he who has the gold, rules - and he uses that power to enhance his wealth (gender of the pronoun used advisedly).
The situation is bleak, but not without hope. Political movements, in the US and abroad, have begun to question to viability of the system which has created these simultaneous crises and which cannot begin to address the needs of people around the world either today or in the future. Pope Francis didn't start the fire; his actions are a response to people's movements and a recognition of the morality and justice of their demands. But his apparent support for systematic and revolutionary changes can set the tone for our struggle to build a better future for our children. Viva Francis!
George Vlasits 8/9/15
Well said!!
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