Recent news items, should show up Capitalism in the U.S. for what it is.
Geoff Landes was gravely injured in Iraq, whilst serving with U.S. forces. Multiple shrapnel wounds and injuries to his head, which resulted in surgeons being forced to remove part of his skull to relieve the pressure. As you will no doubt have guessed, he is no longer in the military. Having given his health for his "country"! what is his reward? He cannot gain access to the rehabilative care he urgently needs. His mother has had to give up her job, so that she can help him in his attempts at rehabilitation. This is the reward U.S. Capitalism gives to those who help protect the interests of the American rich.
On U.S. news, carried on the B.B.C. 24 hour news channel, it was reported that there are 750,000 homeless people in America.The newsreader, one Charles Gibson stated that homelessness was a "notoriously difficult problem to solve". We would beg to differ. It is only a problem in Capitalism. However, in a society where things are produced for direct human use, not for sale with a view to profit, HOMELESSNESS as with lack of access to health care, as shown in the case of Geoff Landes and the myriad of other problems created by Capitalism’s very existence, would simply not exist.
"59 million U.S. citizens have no paid sick leave at all", reported by Charles Gibson,A.B.C. news, 23rd Feb.
This is alongside the fact that tens of millions of U.S. citizens cannot afford even primary health care. This means that American workers often turn up at their places ofemployment in less than good health. It is not a choice, but a necessity for them. Forget the fact that ill workers are less productive - which in the end is all Capitalists are really concerned about. But imagine if a worse case scenario were to occur; an outbreak of bird flu, or worse. Seriously ill workers, because of circumstances, would be compelled to go to their places of employment. Thus, adding to an already serioussituation. We are sure that if this were to occur, reconsideration would be considered. To late, however, to stop a possibly fatal outbreak. As with everything else about Capitalism, it would be reactive rather than proactive. But in a society that says, "cant pay, then cant have" what else do you expect? The bottom line is "PROFIT" and the devil take the hindmost. Accurately summing up Capitalism.
SC
1 comment:
Well of course that's the way things are in the good old US of A. People come and go but the principal entity - the corporation/government must go on at all costs. People are expendable - that's the lesson of Walter Reed - use 'em, abuse 'em and warehouse them until they rot out of sight - that's "supporting the troops" by golly.
Hey, I love what you people do in the UK. Here in the states, socialism is SUCH a dirty word! When i mention that I'm a socialist at my mum's house, her nurse literally fled in panic as if I was some kind of bogeyman.
My mum is lucky - she's a teacher pensioner so she's one of the lucky few that get actually decent medical care. She knows that despite two back surgeries, two knee replacements and lastly, major ankle surgery, that she's luckier than most - she gets to KEEP her house - the one we grew up in.
I used to be a journalist but I got forced out when I complained that my newspaper (the Cedar Rapids Gazette) picked up Ann Coulter (they later dropped her after they forced me to quit because I was writing for the Canadians at rabble.ca). I was fired as a chat show host for turning against the Iraqi invasion. With my career in tatters and nothing left to lose, I'm opening a book store in my old home town.
I wish you solidarity and all the best for everyone who struggles under the yoke of predatory capitalism. You can read my latest article here:
http://www.rabble.ca/everyones_a_critic.shtml?x=57633
I write for the Canadians since my own country won't pick up my writing any more.
Cheers!
Post a Comment