Theo's voice welcomes your views
An invitation to make your voice heard on International Human, Social, Political, Environmental Issues that affect us all.
Widening gap between the rich and the poor?
Did you know, for example, that almost half the world - more than three billion people - now live on less than $2.50 a day? And that more than 80% of humanity lives, it is reported, on less than $10 a day, and in those very countries where income differentials are widening In your country, is this widening gap between rich and poor accompanied by a deteriorating situation of workers' economic and social rights?
In the United States, are you aware of published data with Statistics showing that the richest 1 per cent of citizens own 40 per cent of the total property of the country, while 80 per cent of US citizens own just 16 per cent? And that since the 1990's, 40 per cent of the increased wealth went into the pockets of the rich minority, while only 1 per cent went to the poor majority? As that as early as 1992, the income of the executives of the largest US companies was 100 times that of ordinary workers, and according to that same source, 475 times higher in 2000.
Are you familiar with the findings of a 30 nation study published in Paris in 2008 that economic inequality is growing internationally and that in the United States, in particular, the gap has widened considerably? If you live in the USA, do you personally have that feeling that "inequality threatens the "American dream"?
In South Africa, have you read the report that gap between the rich and the poor has also widened not only between race groups but also within race groups suggesting that new policies are needed to redistribute the wealth? Perhaps you will wish to consult the source which is the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) where it is stated that Income inequality in South Africa increased between 1993 and 2008, making inequality levels in the country among the highest in the world?
Do you know that in a 20-year study of its member countries, the OECD found inequality had increased in 27 out of its 30 members as top earners' incomes soared while others stagnated?
From your personal perspective and knowledge, do you share the view that the gap between rich and poor is WIDENING every day?
What is your opinion on how to begin to solve this problem?
Can you share your views with us?
Inspired by John Kennedy's speech "Ask not what your country can do for you, ....ask what you can do for your country....." which of the two possible alternatives appears more appropriate to you for solving the above problem:
What can my Government do to stop the widening gap between rich and poor? Or, by assuming personal responsibility, is there anything I can do as a citizen, to alleviate that situation by peaceful means?
From your own experience and perspective, have you reached any conclusions as to "where all this will lead us to"?
If so, can you share those thoughts on this networking?
In the light of all the facts as you understand them, Are you able to state here in all honesty that you are and will remain optimistic about the future, regardless?
Or, on the contrary, do you see the global situation deteriorating even further, with an ever widening gap with the "Super Rich" on the one hand and the "Destitute" peoples of the world, on the other?
With what global consequences for mankind, in your view? To use an analogy, when will this the breaking point of this rubber band come between the "haves" and the "have nots"?
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