Perhaps the sturdiest thread connecting this global backlash is a rejection of the logic of "extraordinary politics"--the phrase coined by Polish politician Leszek Balcerowicz to describe how, in a crisis, politicians can ignore legislative rules and rush through unpopular "reforms." Full Story »
Posted by Randy Morrow
The implication is clear. If it is happening, or has happened, elsewhere, who's to say it won't happen here. The fact that so much is happening elsewhere and getting such little press here seems to be the story.
As usual “The Nation” comes up with the goods. The article describes the growing worldwide backlash to the neocon technique of “extraordinary politics”, meaning that in any crisis–real or invented–politicians throw out the rules and push through unwanted programs and laws. (Sound familiar?) What the article doesn't mention (neither do American media) is that “vayan todos” (all of them must go) is also growing in Europe as their economies begin reaching critical mass.
If Obama’s is to bring America out of its crisis he must also effect changes in embedded corporate and government structures. But he’ll be helped by the growing “vayan todos” movement (all of them must go). Soon politicians who: “respond to a crisis created by free-market ideology with an acceleration of that same discredited agenda (‘extraordinary politics’) will not survive to tell the tale.” Earth to Republicans in congress: take warning!
Ms. Klein details and comments on public blacklash in various countries to the fact that economies have been ruined by "elites" (financial and political).
The mainstream big white corporate media has only had light reporting on the populist demonstrations and riots around the world against the destruction launched via government by greedy financiers and the IMF, so this may be informative to some. This is true bottom-up democracy.
Tyrants can be toppled or installed by such radical movements; it is a time to be informed and to be ready to be an activist.
A look around the world, and well worth it. Ms.Klien gives examples of what could conceivably happen in America if the politicians don't pull their head out and pass the stimulus package before this nation goes into a depression.
banging pots and pans, tearing down doors, the people will only take so much before the steam blows the top of the pot off. We stopped a War one time, never under estimate the American people.
Excellent piece of work. Pity Ms Klein didn't mention that business, and capitalism is the antithesis of democracy. I mean, do the workers get to vote on company policy? Not a chance. Better (worse) yet, the shareholder with the most money gets the most votes. No wonder the place is such a mess.
It notes 'bottom up' rejection of economic policies which people "" see as the cause of their current economic misery. And points to specific examples in quite differently governed countries. But it doesn't reflect the eagerness with which the policies were embraced when they initially led to good times.
Naomi Klein is a well known fruitcake. Everything that happens is for her proof that capitalism has failed. It's really comical that she holds Argentina up as a model for the world. Argentina is the most failed country in the world in relation to is possibilities.
It's a round-up of recent popular uprisings around the world and gives these uprisings some historical context and offers an explanation of why they are occurring.
I think this is a good teaser article that gives you a reason to go out and get her Shock Doctrine book, where you can get more in-depth analysis.
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