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Old 08-12-2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smc View Post
Thank you, Amy, for saying what no one else did: that despite the despicable behavior of the rioters, and the fact that such action does nothing to advance the "cause" of those who riot (to the degree that they have a "cause"), the riots are definitely rooted in a socio-economic situation of deep alienation from society. Here in the United States, it has become the norm that ascending generations are worse off than their parents. The economic disparities in this country grow and grow. Young people face a future of temporary labor (what the French rightly call "precarious work") and increasing alienation and atomization. It's no wonder that any spark can lead to conflagration.

This is not to excuse rioters. Individual or group violence is a bankrupt approach to changing the world. The youth of England, just like the youth of the United States, could learn a thing or two from the serious side (i.e., not the Yippies) of the anti-Vietnam War movement and how it was organized, or how the students in France in 1968 united with trade unions and nearly brought down the DeGaulle government.
You are quite right SMC. The exportation of manufacturing jobs to China by corporate America has resulted in a very serious labor problem. It's the same in England. Unless the economy improves rapidly (unlikely), we can expect unrest here.
Corporations are becoming international with little regard for their home base. Profit rules, companies find a place to manufacture where labor is a bit above slavery. Once the workers demand a decent wage, they move on to the next country desperate for work. The world of Milton Friedman has arrived.
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