When the advocates of capitalism spout about its success and the wealth it has created, we should remind them of some undeniable facts. The world is certainly awash with wealth, but the vast majority of the world's population don't experience any of the benefits of that wealth. The figures that follow are from 2008, and we all know that since then, we have seen a massive "austerity" plan implemented on the poorest section of all societies across the planet.
While the number of billionaires grow, at least 80% of the world's population live on less than $10 a day and over three billion live on less than $2.50 a day. As the wealth in the world increases, more than 80% of the world's population lives in countries where the income differentials are widening. That abundance of wealth that sloshes around the world, stays in a very few hands. A mere 5% of the world's income is spread across 40% of the world's population. While at the other end, 75% of the world's income is claimed by the richest 20% of the population. Of course disparity in wealth distribution is not just about “things”, it is about life and death, deprivation and destroyed potential.
Out of sight of the flashing neon lights and fast food outlets, UNICEF estimates that 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. This happens in small villages and towns in remote areas, out of sight of the that babbling brook of bullshit, the mainstream media, so their murder by the system goes unrecorded.
The catalogue of misery, deprivation and early death across this planet of plenty, is capitalism's legacy, a handful enjoy unimaginable wealth and power, some live comfortably, and the vast majority suffer unacceptable deprivation. It is estimated that approximately 30% of all children in developing countries, are underweight. Under weight and uneducated is a recipe for a life stunted and a potential stolen. 2005 figures also reveal that in the developing world, 72 million children of primary school age were not at school, the biggest half of them, 57%, were girls. As we moved into the 21st century, another of capitalism's crimes was that almost one billion people were unable to read or sign their name.
The catalogue of misery, deprivation and early death across this planet of plenty, is capitalism's legacy, a handful enjoy unimaginable wealth and power, some live comfortably, and the vast majority suffer unacceptable deprivation. It is estimated that approximately 30% of all children in developing countries, are underweight. Under weight and uneducated is a recipe for a life stunted and a potential stolen. 2005 figures also reveal that in the developing world, 72 million children of primary school age were not at school, the biggest half of them, 57%, were girls. As we moved into the 21st century, another of capitalism's crimes was that almost one billion people were unable to read or sign their name.
Even if we were insane enough to stay with the capitalist system, we could quite easily remedy all of these failings. If we spent a mere 1% of what the world spends each year on weapons, it would be enough to put every child into school. It won't happen, weapons are much more profitable to shareholders than educating children.
This is the world of capitalism, a bizarre world of unimaginable wealth, an abundance of food, and millions dying of poverty and deprivation. A world of scientific magic in the midst of millions deprived of education, a world of mass production of luxuries and gadgets, and millions dying for the want of necessities. Sanity demands that we dismantle this insane, unjust and greed driven system, in favour of one based on human needs, mutual aid and co-operation, freed from the cancer of profit.
