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Globalization

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Globalization

In theory, it sounds good. Countries trading stuff back and forth like a big party. But in practice, it’s leading to loads of injustices around the world — and lots of unemployment in the U.S.

Bizarrely, corporations enjoy many of the same legal rights as the individual, yet they are not subject to the same obligations or responsibilities. All they care about is profits. In fact, all they are allowed to care about is profits, as they are legally obliged to put the interests of their shareholders before everything else, even the common good.

So companies exploit poor economic conditions elsewhere to do what they can’t do here — namely, hire workers for $4 a day, spew unregulated pollution, and lock doors so employees can’t take a break. This is one reason why so many American factory jobs are disappearing.

Lobbyists for big business are actively engaged in campaigning agains 'trade barriers' such as environmental and workers rights' legislation, consumer labelling laws, and other measures that seek to give the man in the street (or field) a more equal footing.

All is not lost however, as many organizations are campaigning to reform global trade rules, and to balance the 'rights' of corporations with corresponding responsiblities and obligations. Ultimately, big business relies on society and the environment to function. Reforming trade to protect what is dear to us is in EVERYONE'S interests, even if some of the folks in grey suits don't realize it yet.

	Oxfam America A great web site that allows you to get involved in solving problems like poverty, hunger and social injustice around the world.
	The Corporation A fascinating documentary that takes the corporation's status as a 'legal person' to its logical conclusion - if a corporation is legally structured to care about nothing but its shareholders (i.e. itself), then as a 'person' it is essentially a psycopath. Check out the movie website for further resources and discussion notes.
	Global Exchange Global Exchange is an established human rights group guiding globalization in the right way and building people to people relationships all over the globe.
	Business and Human Rights Resource Centre Before justice, there has to be transparency. The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre actively tracks the positive and negative impacts of over 3000 companies worldwide.
	Mad Cowboy Is global meat a good thing or a bad thing? Here the answers from former cattle rancher turned vegetarian, Howard Lyman. Lyman was part of the mean industry for decades, a tumor in his spinal cord made him reboot his life and now he’s trying to change the world.