“Inclusive Economy”

Two sessions ago I barely addressed this important subject, and have been thinking about it a lot.

Our leaders continue to look for military and technological solutions to the World’s problems, or more properly, achieving American objectives vis-a-vis the rest of the world.

Curiously these recite that the solution to the world’s problems is “political” and then in the same breath plan more military adventures.

We are at the moment apparently doomed to an endless cycle “low level” conflict which weaken us by consuming our resources to buy new technological solutions to the “threat” of  “insurgents”, “radical religionists”, “militias”, and just plain “thugs”.  In any other context these would be classed as criminal elements, but that’s another subject.

One of the by products of the endless conflict is the growing alienation, by not only our economic equals, but more and more of the “little people” of the “Third World” who barely share the crumbs left by the elites who rule them.  Some sources say that much of the Middle East is experiencing 40% unemployment.

Even in our own country there are those who for a variety of reasons are outside of the productive portion of the economy, and may either suffer or threaten our society.

My thought process has been driven by the observation that most of the so called terrorism and other political unrest find fertile ground amongst those who have been bypassed by the world’s economic systems, especially at ground level.  Not only does the devil find work for idle hands, but to anybody, especially male, who come from either a warrior culture, or a culture of  freedom and mutual support that now, in a word, is unemployed, or unfairly exploited, and subsequently no longer has respect for himself or anyone else now often finds striking out against the establishment, even when it is suicidal, to be a worthwhile and honorable undertaking.

e·con·o·my  The system or range of economic activity in a country, region, or community:Effects of inflation were felt at every level of the economy. b. A specific type of economic system:an industrial economy; a planned economy. (American Heritage Dictionary)

So lets give it some thought.  Is there an alternative path to a more sympathetic, productive, happier world?  I think there is, but it is beyond the ability of most leaders to fathom it, let alone be interested in it.  This is supposed to be a “government of the people, by the people and for the people”  but because the people have shown little interest in recent decades, the leaders have found their own ideological path.

My intention is emphasize the importance and urgency of making our (meaning the world’s) economic and social systems truly and
fairly inclusive and that it is an ethical issue.

My expectations?  Rome was neither built nor destroyed in a day.  We all need to be reminded from time to time, even about
things that we already know are important if they are ever to come to be.

For those who like to read ahead,read the newspaper or surf the internet and be prepared to observe and discuss whatever evokes your interest and thoughts about ways to integrate the ostracized and the unemployed back into society and the economy abroad and here at home.

One of our members sent me the following links when I threatened to deal with subject previously: (Much to my chagrin, I found I hadn’t invented the term “inclusive economics.” On the other hand I should consider it a validation of the concept.

http://www.mkgandhi-sarvodaya.org/nbook/inclusive_economics.htm

http://www.feasta.org/documents/review2/inclusive_economics.htm

http://www.feasta.org/documents/papers/roteringintro.htm

http://www.feasta.org/documents/review2/rotering.htm

And for those of you who like to, “do the numbers,”  here are some political

Presidential Campaign Finance
Federal Election Commission
http://www.fec.gov/DisclosureSearch/mapApp.do

Poll Results
Real Clear Politicshttp://www.realclearpolitics.com/

Election 2008 National
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/national-primary.html

Maps and Dates of Primaries
Primary Colors
http://www.newsweek.com/id/68123

These are some of my perennially favorite links:
Project Vote Smart,http://www.vote-smart.org  find out how your elected officials voted and how to contact them by e-mail
League of Women Votershttp://www.lwv.org    To find out where candidahttp://www.realclearpolitics.com/tes stand on issues.
Center for Responsive Politics. http://www.opensecrets.org/Find out who’s paying your politician.