The Economic Far Left Isn't All That's Left

                                                                                                Sunday 12-09-07

            On Friday evening 12-07-07; I attended a debate on behalf of my organization Picture the Homeless which was hosted by the Left Forum at the Brecht Forum.

            The panel consisted of:

1)      Professor of History at U.C.L.A. Robert Brenner

2)      Sam Gindin; Packer Chair in Social Justice at York University, Toronto Canada

3)      Moderator: Professor Vivek Chibber, sociologist, NYU

 

Professor Brenner opened the debate, with a doomsday critical analysis of the economic concept of Neo-Liberalism. Much of Professor Brenner’s presentation retained its credibility from a statistical handout, consisting of eleven (11) pages of printed data: (attached hereto)!

 

Although I concede that Neo-liberalism is admittedly a failed economic concept by virtue of its dismal global track record, when veining it from the grass-roots upward. Who among us of sound mind would think that a current Fortune five hundred C.E.O. would consider neo-liberalism a failed policy when he is making over four hundred times the base pay of the average rank and file employee within his/her corporate family? Upon this premise the question that emerges is “How do we accomplish a redistribution of our human and material resources by democratic means, without a social upheaval that would create havoc within our economic markets.

 

I contend that a vigilant and well informed citizenry; employing participatory democracy could make a positive impact in the areas of Social and Economic Justice and asset inequality!

 

I truly wish that Professor Brenner had included some nations, who practice a “mixed” economic model in his profile. In my humble opinion this would have lent some degree of objectivity as well as other economic options for the future.

 

The second generation economist Galbarth, as well as Professor Jeffery Sachs; and Joseph Stigliz – all accomplished economists, all agree that as a concept “neo-liberal” economic policy was a failure. However none of them suggest throwing the baby out with the bath water!

 

I do not believe that the current policy debate is as simple as Adam Smith plus Milton Friedman’s free market; invisible hand theory as opposed to the Brenton Woods Lord Kensington government market intervention model, It seems to me that the more complex issue is when do governments intercede? In what ways do they (Governments) intercede? And with what clear cut goals (Objectives) in mind?

 

I am distrustful of government intervention, I.E Tax breaks bailouts for corporations who are in the red; etc. When these decisions are made in smoke-filled backrooms, behind closed doors.

 

Picture the Homeless ahs always struggled to be seated at the tables where decisions are made and policy adapted that impact upon the lives of our constituents! We come to the table with more than condemnation_ we bring solutions! Our “Housing and Jobs Platform” would create jobs, provide revenue to potential consumers who are now unemployed. Doesn’t consumer spending move inventory? In the future I would like to witness a debate with solutions not just doomsday rhetoric and defense of failed neo-liberalism!

 

I trust that currently it is well known throughout the social justice grassroots community of this city; that Picture the Homeless seeks to participate in this cities democracy! We stand on the front line, keeping law enforcement from becoming agents of a police-state.

 

I believe in a government whose public policy emanates from the people, who collectively act in their best social, political, and economic interest. This political process will almost always produce policies that function to the “common good”. Where-as societies governed by strong central governments almost always wind up being despotic, oppressive, and exploitative!

 

Any serious students of American history will recall that under the guise of states rights.

 

Several southern states with strong racist central governments were structured to deny civil and economic justice to many of their female and Afro-American citizens. Pursuant to this arrangement; agricultural and domestic workers were left out of Roosevelt’s so called “New Deal”. I submit that a “New Deal” from a crooked deck doesn’t ensure a winning hand. Thousands of Afro’s and poor whites were left out of the original social security act; accordingly, I have no faith in centralized governing, no matter what ISM! You place behind it.

 

How can any learned mind be so sure that institutionalized American Democratic Ideals are unworkable?

 

When isn’t it true that throughout much of our nations history. These concepts have been subverted by a powerful elite whose greed, corruption and use of mechanized warfare, i.e. machine guns and bombs have caused most of the social and economic problems that we currently grapple with. We as Americans will not defeat global Totalitarianism by holding the world hostage to our military might! If all of our residents continue to assimilate! Acculturate! And to Achieve upward mobility, then no ISM will prevail against our duly constituted form of democratic government!

 

I would have loved to have witnessed some global economist who have studied mixed economies such as Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Brazil. How do mixed economies with a strong rate of democratic participation compare in their respective economic data, with the nations included in Professor Brenner’s profile?

 

In conclusion, I believe that transparent governing is compatible with the conceptual arrangements of a “mixed” economy; which most often functions to the “common good”, thus producing a stable and secure society.

 

Only a vigilant proactive, citizenry can safeguard and protect our “Separation of Powers” as written in Federalist paper #51; And our sacred rights as enumerated In Our “Bill Of Rights” and its subsequent Amendments

 

                                                                        We Remain:

                                                                        Yours In The Struggle

                                                                       

 

                                                                        Ryan E. Gibbs

                                                                        Office Administrator

                                                                        Picture the Homeless

                                                           

                                                                       

                                                                        Jean Rice

                                                                        Bd. Of Directors

                                                                        Picture the Homeless