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Forum Post: How Many Slaves Work for You?

Posted 11 years ago on March 19, 2013, 5:26 p.m. EST by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

Here's a fun little interactive for you. Note: on the left side of each page there's a gear. Click on it to refine your input. And read the accompanying blurbs on each page for some interesting, and disturbing, statistics (also check out the rest of the site):

http://slaveryfootprint.org/#gadgets

Although the accuracy of the above interactive can be called into question (for example, it doesn’t specify whether your electronics are new, used, or free, or whether your veggies are store-bought or home-grown) the point is more, I think, to raise awareness to the scope of the problem. And, as one of our wiser posters pointed out to me, even if it is off by a wide margin, one slave is one too many.

Human trafficking is second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable illegal industry in the world. Recent estimates put the annual value of human trafficking at USD $32 billion a year, but that number is hard to quantify. According to Wikipedia:

". . . it is argued that many of these statistics are inflated to aid advocacy of anti-trafficking NGOs and the anti-trafficking policies of governments. Due to the definition of trafficking as a process (not a singly defined act) and the fact that it is a dynamic phenomenon with constantly shifting patterns relating to economic circumstances, much of the statistical evaluation is flawed."

Regardless, the facts are sobering. From the sweatshops of Bangladesh, the jungles of Indonesia, the sleazy motels in America's heartland, to the mansions and estates of London and New York, approximately one out of every three hundred people on the planet, an estimated 27 million people, are living in some form of human bondage (although the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates a more conservative 21 million). Equally troubling, according to some sources, less than 1% can be identified. The US State Dept, in its annual Trafficking in Persons Report estimates that 600,000 to 900,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. About 70% are female, half are children, and 18,000 of these poor souls arrive here in the United States. Also, out of the 185 countries included in the 2012 report, only 33 complied fully with laws in place to end human trafficking, putting them at the top of a four-tier ranking system. And even those countries are not immune. We often talk of cheap labor in the supply chains of our products, but rarely does the subject of modern-day slavery enter the dialog.

Not surprisingly, BigAg is a major culprit. From The Guardian article 'We've Got to Stamp Out Modern Slavery:' "Expansionist agriculture and empires have always depended on slave labour, as Latin authors of the Roman empire complained centuries ago. Today, we live in an era when the dominant powers don't officially "do" empire, so economic control takes a new privatised form in the TNC (transnational corporations). Modern slavery has evolved to match. The straightforward ownership of chattel slavery is gone, replaced instead by an outsourced, subcontracted kind of control over people, which can be terminated when they have served their purpose. The transnationals universally abhor any idea of slavery or forced labour and yet it is found in their supply chains. Slaves and exploited migrants, often driven into migration by the squeeze on family agriculture, are what make the economics of today's agribusiness work."

And America is not immune. Besides those trafficked across the borders, victims here are usually the poor, the homeless, the undocumented. The problem is exacerbated, of course, by the sharp downturn in the economy, as increasing numbers of people find themselves in desperate financial straits. Although historically, the focus has largely been the sex trade, with the sex worker portrayed as culprit rather than victim, the problem is far more widespread. In 1999, Abel Cuello pled guilty to buying smuggled workers from Mexico and holding them captive. And in 2005, three Guatemalans were arrested in Fort Myers, Florida for holding a 13 year old Guatemalan girl as a slave.

Then in November 2006, Jefferson Calimlim Sr. and his wife, Elnora, both doctors from Milwaukee, Wis, were each sentenced to four years in prison for forcing a woman to work as their domestic servant, illegally harboring her for 19 years in their residence. The Calimlims were convicted of using threats of serious harm and physical restraint against their victim, whom they had brought to the United States from the Philippines when she was 19. According to a Justice Department summary of the case, the victim testified that for 19 years she was hidden in the Calimlim home, forbidden from going outside, and told that she would be arrested, imprisoned and deported if she was discovered. The Calimlims' son was also convicted.

The Florida-based 'Coalition of Immokalee Workers' has successfully prosecuted numerous cases over the past 15 years, freeing more than 1,200 Florida farm workers from forced labor and captivity in the process. In the September 2010 case, US vs. Global Horizons, eight people were charged with what prosecutors called the largest human trafficking case in US history. Global Horizons CEO Mordechai Orian and others were accused of operating a forced labor ring covering 13 states, in which six hundred guest-workers from Thailand were held against their will. It was a "classic case of bait-and-switch," according to FBI Special Agent Tom Simon. "They were telling the Thai workers one thing to lure them here. Then when they got here, their passports were taken away and they were held in forced servitude working in these farms." Of the eight people indicted, four pled guilty and then, in July 2012, the DOJ dropped the charges against CEO Orian and another Global Horizons executive.

http://www.ciw-online.org/index.html

But what's most troubling, I think, are the children. According to the ILO, there are 215 million five to 17-year-olds trapped in child labor worldwide. In Mali, for example, boys as young as eight are digging shafts for gold mines and working in tunnels 100 feet underground. They are among the 2 million children worldwide employed by small-scale mines. Another 30 million children, most of them girls, are employed as domestic servants, working long hours for very low (or no) pay and facing physical, and sometimes sexual abuse. And there's a good chance that the metals in your mobile phone include products mined by children working under the control of warlords in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and elsewhere. India is one of the worst offenders, with an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 children a year affected. An estimated half a million children work in Delhi alone, three-quarters of them below the age of 14. Many are trafficked there by India's army of slave traders, stolen, tricked or sold by their parents for as little as 1,000 rupees, a tad over USD $18 at current exchange rates.

Recently, our esteemed President declared January 'National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month.' A typical response from our elected clowns in DC, a slavery prevention month. Hey, here's an idea: why not actually do something about it? For starters, how about making sure our own government contractors like Halliburton and Dyncorp don't engage in it. And for all the rhetoric from our esteemed leaders, the fact is Congress spends more on the war on drugs in ONE week than they have fighting human trafficking in the past TEN years (source: imwithlincoln.com). In 2009, we spent twice as much printing the Congressional Record as we do fighting slavery domestically (source: ibid.). Ridiculous.

On this 150th anniversary of Lincoln's landmark proclamation, one need only take a cursory peek behind the curtain to see that slavery and servitude are everywhere still. You like to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa on these cold winter days? Chances are the beans were picked by a seven year old boy on the Ivory Coast. Talking on your new cellphone? Halloween decorations? Chinese laborers working in deplorable conditions. Does your make-up contain mica? Like to dine out occasionally at the local Chinese restaurant?

What can be done about it? In the The Guardian article entitled 'We've Got to Stamp Out Modern Slavery,' Felicity Lawrence states: "How should we respond to news of slavery re-emerging today? Stamping it out needs as big an overhaul of prevailing power structures as previously. And yet, it was on small tokens of concern that a political movement against slavery was originally built. It's time we made our revulsion clear again."

If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to try the interactive at the beginning of this post. It'll only take a few minutes of your time. Also check out the blue links thruout this post. And it should go without saying, spread the word. It might give a friend or relative something to think about before they fly out the door this year after Thanksgiving dinner to join the herd at WalMart to buy the latest iWhateverthefuck.

Do your part to help break the chains.

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265 Comments


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[-] 5 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

And many thanks to Middleaged for posting this highly pertinent link, making Obama's rhetoric about a "Slavery Prevention Month" all that more hollow:

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/06/06/110606fa_fact_stillman#ixzz2O9yIgKtH

[-] 5 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

And further to the hypocrisy of our elected leaders, the White House, in 2010, granted waivers from the Child Soldiers Prevention Act to four countries: Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Yemen.

http://archive.truthout.org/white-house-says-child-soldiers-are-ok-if-they-fight-terrorists65145

All four countries are considered among the worst offenders on the State Dept's four-tier ranking system:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_to_Monitor_and_Combat_Trafficking_in_Persons#Trafficking_in_Persons_Report

Although the TruthOut article is dated Nov 2010, as of last summer, the US was still giving aid to these four countries and more:

http://reason.com/blog/2013/03/19/us-military-aid-to-first-world-european

From the link:

"Three days after the White House warned that the sequester would hurt ordinary Americans the president released $50 million dollars worth of military aid to Chad and one of the richest nations in Europe (France) to assist with their war in Mali."

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/aug/8/us-gives-military-aid-to-nations-with-child-soldie/?page=all

http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2012/07/21/us-military-aid-to-yemen-resumes/

[-] 5 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Stellar post 'gm'! This is the most barbaric, heinous, repugnant and saddest abuse I've become aware of. It makes drone killings look like amateur hour. In effect, it is dispersed genocide...and it hasn't been discussed here, meaning the broader populace is unaware of the scope of this depraved indifference.

Hypocrisy, YES! How dare the US wave their finger in the face of other nations, given the US' blood-lust. But its so much more than that.

What good are organizations like "The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons", and laws/legislation like "Trafficking Victims Protection Act" (TVPA), if they're powerless to do anything about transgressions or violators...or if their role can be over-ridden at will?? Also, they are looking at granting waivers for 3 MORE countries! WTF?

Notice also, how these 7 countries are the highest ranking on the 'State Dept's four-tier ranking system'. To me, that shows that these areas of our globe are being 'protected' as the portals of Human Trafficking, Child Soldiers and Modern Day Slavery.

We HAVE to educate the world on this matter. THESE are the things that go on in the shadows while politicians keep us busy with garbage. THIS is how they continue to nation build, oppress, groom future terrorists, kill off masses of the worlds people, etc, etc.

I wonder, if even this level of evil, atrocious abandonment of our world's children by the left AND right, will wake up the partisan believers/dividers to how the world is really run, so we can move on.

WHERE'S THE OUTRAGE???

~ "The phenomenon of child soldiers, like genocide, slavery and torture, seems like one of those crimes that no nation could legitimately defend. Yet the Obama administration just decided to leave countless kids stranded on some of the world’s bloodiest battlegrounds."~

~ Jesse Eaves, a policy adviser for children in crisis at World Vision, said every waiver “is basically saying we are going to use taxpayer money to support countries that use child soldiers.”

World Vision has said that children forced to fight in wars around the world have been used as front-line combatants, suicide bombers, minesweepers, sex slaves and spies. The organization said that more than 2 million children have been killed in conflict situations and 6 million have been seriously injured or permanently disabled." ~

~ I repeat... Where's The Outrage???

[-] 8 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Everyone in this world has a right to shine...to be free from exploitation.

~~~~

Modern Slavery

Slavery comes from the stables of darkness,

creating efficient funds,

free labor,

a business without kindness,

calling it free favors,

making money off the helpless,

songs being sung,

telling you which way to go,

an escape route.

soon to be war,

becoming equal,

fighting to settle the score,

freedom soon to be reigned,

a time for change,

still fighting for freedom today,

a new way,

for better days,

to become equal,

to become enlightened by one another,

as freedom of life calls you name,

singing a verse,

saying no more,

we are equal,

living amongst one another,

sharing laughs,

healing pain,

to this day,

we still fight for change.

~ joe foster

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/modern-slavery-2/

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Stellar addition to the thread, Ren.

Someone posted this link last night on another thread and I thought it would be appropriate here:

http://www.cleanclothes.org/livingwage

A quote from one of the pages:

"Bosses of Kingsland Garment (Cambodia) Ltd factory, an underwear factory in Phnom Pehn, supplying retail giants Walmart and H&M have been accused of closing up shop and fleeing while still owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid wages and benefits."

Niiice, huh? Corporations paying a shit wage decide to close up shop rather than pay what they promised. My guess is that WalMart and H&M basically just went and opened another factory somewhere down the road. The exploitation never ends!

Unless we do something about it, that is.

Odd how WalMart seems to be involved a LOT in these stories, isn't it? WalMart should be at the top of all boycott lists, in my opinion.

[-] 7 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Of Ships and Men ~ Cameron Conaway's Poem about the Children Who Break Ships Apart in Bangladesh ~ http://stopchildlabor.org/?p=3394

Of Ships and Men

There are ships like hotels horizontal

and there are children and children

breaking, dragging these dead vessels

through beach sand soiled with oil

through the swirling peace rainbows

of slavery, a six month deconstruction

of scrap metal and tiny little lives

scraping by one then two then twenty

broken walls of asbestos at a time

when there is no gear, no gloves

and masks only of signage bold fronted

“No Child Labour, We Take Safety First”

while Nasima, 8, of Chandan Baisha,

tries to hide just beyond the gates.

Bits of rust from the iron plates jump

into my eyes. Tomorrow? Don’t know.

We have too much work to do today.

And Sohel, 11, who came from Comilla:

My mother works at the jute mill and I

started working last year at the yards

as a cutter helper. My father never visits.

He sometimes looks for me in the streets

and tries talking to me, but I refuse.

He harmed my mother too much.

In the village, no work. Here, work.

My ambition is high. I want to become

a cutter-helper. Maybe in five years.

And Robani, 12, from Moheshkali Island

who left his village to come here after

the river took his family’s strip of land,

who watched as his father was crushed

by some falling part from the floating

dustbin, who saw his father’s shin bone

jutting white out from temple red

and who was told by the foreman

Your father was too weak for this job.

Now is your time to be the real man

of your family, a strong man that does

not break. Robani recalls not the years

when he and his father caught fish

or the time they played hours of cricket

with a bamboo bat and old compass case

but of that white and red mangle of man.

At night as he sleeps he hears orders

and he hears the hushed sound of heavy

steel ship part thump into black sand,

the sound that killed his father as if

his father had not stood between

the black steel and the blacker sand,

the weight of it all so fast that a man

can’t sound, no moan, no emotion,

bones and memories and history ground,

crumpled quietly, unlike a paper sheet

loud in crumpling and capable of reuse

or the sagor waves out beyond the black

or the thunder or of an echo which is

not even alive but an imitation, no,

his father was pestled silently unlike

the rice or flour or tea or other fined

things at the mad market. How much

to buy the silence of a man crippled?

Depends on how crippled. 10,000 taka

if one can still walk, talk, use both arms.

It’s been forty years since the first vessel.

No facts for flesh, only for things metaled:

Bangladesh is world’s largest shipbreaker.

Bangladesh is world’s first shipbreaker.

Gets 30% of steel shipbreaking.

Has thousands of jobs from shipbreaking.

But what of shipbreaking beating out

child prostitution in dangerous jobs?

Or the people, miles away from the yards,

who have for generations survived on

fish that are no longer. Their choice:

be broken by labor or by starvation.

What of how 20% of the workers

are preadolescent boys? Or the activist

who knows Chittagong needs these ships

but wants only safety and no child labor,

who says to me: You watch. When they

kill me nobody will care. One replaces

another here. The steel of these beasts

has shaped more than our men’s bodies.


Cameron Conaway is the Social Justice Editor at The Good Men Project. http://goodmenproject.com/

He may be followed on Twitter by going here. https://twitter.com/CameronConaway

[-] 1 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

Thanks for that Renny. Having had a career as a merchant marine and knowing how many of the older ships had asbestos in them, I can relate to this informative, thoughtful poem better than most people

But no one can 'really'understand the human misery that these people are going through unless you yourself are a eye witness or a vicitm

~Odin~

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

We are on our way to reaching the 'saturation' point, where enough people have a fuller, more panoptic awareness about the atrocious practices in the supply chains behind the items in their everyday lives, and more importantly, the wretched lives they/we have, through ignorance, colluded to create.

Though there is much more work to be done...once the saturation point happens...those in the know will share information and not let others be unaccountable for their choices.

Personally...I can't wait! 'Cause, hurting others, isn't sitting very well.

Thank you, Odin...for contributing here, and sharing the message of modern slavery to the rest of the forum.

I'm going to confess, Odin...that when I read this poem, you came to mind. ~.^

[-] 2 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

Once you know the human suffering that takes place in the products we buy, there is no excuse for apathy

It's not just asbestos that those poor souls have to deal with. it is also using burning torches to cut through the lead painted steel and breathing noxious fumes deep in the bowels of the ship, and having most liikely very poor ventilation

Here's a sea-faring poem that i searched for you before I left for VT last week, and it is for the journey we are on

THE NAUTICAL ROUTE

The nautical route chosen

The ship sets on its path

It may need to comply with changes

Far beyond its meager control;

But the intended destination

And the truth of the trip be known

That to have a goal and set the sail

Is better than staying in port.............C.A. Dickinson

Staying in port is always the safest thing to do, but that will get you nowhere, hence the scenery will never change

And....Good mariners are not made on calm seas

The below link is of a steel hulled sailing ship that was built in the UK in 1888 originally Christened the Dunboyne (a town in Ireland)

The ship had a very storyed career running between Britain, and the Pacific...Portalnd, OR...Freemantle and Melbourne Australia, etc

It picked up 24 survivors off Cape Horn, SA in 1893 from a ship that hit an iceberg

It was scheduled to be scuttled in 1947, but the city of Stockholm bought it instead, and turned it into a youth hostel and eatery. It is considered the most beautiful hostel in the world

It is now tied up at the little harbor island of Skeppsholmen, across the water from Old Town (Stockholm) and the royal palace, where many historic boats are moored, but none are as majestic as this one is.

The ship, renamed the af Chapman (after a famous Swedish naval architect) has a special signifigance for me and my family, as it is the ship that my Dad came to this country on for the first time in 1931, as a 19 year old seaman apprentice

He is the one more than anyone who taught me that sometimes, you have to fight for what is right

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Af_Chapman_(ship)

~Odin~

[-] 6 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Gosh, Odin. I'm humbled. What a beautiful poem. Thank you.

So subtle...a quiet strength. A determination and yearning for peace, love and justice...despite the unknown losses that may lay in our wake. Such is the longing for the human heart to be free from tyranny. This poem could easily be OWS' theme poem.

"Once you know the human suffering that takes place in the products we buy, there is no excuse for apathy." Very well said indeed, 'Odin'.

The cruelty of having these tender lives destroyed in those shipyards (death camps) so that we can have a few trinkets in our homes, all to make a greedy few at the top able to swim in an ocean of money, is beyond senseless. There is a better way...a happier and more dignified life for everyone, if enough people wake up to it.

Playing For Change ~ A Better Place - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVHOqrw3Jks

But take heart, dear man. Albeit small, there are inroads being made. Like in the response 'gnomunny' received from ' www.SumOfUs.org ' here...

http://occupywallst.org/forum/how-many-slaves-are-working-for-you/#comment-971917

Enforcement will be the area of importance.

I've seen the 'Af Chapman' up close, on a trip back to Sweden...and yes, its beautiful.

A little footage of the 'Af Chapman'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k--wJ7JhBTE&NR=1&feature=endscreen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCEhTO1v5bI

Your dad would have turned 101 this September, wouldn't he?

Eva Cassidy ~ What a Wonderful World - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEBBGSgO16M

Thanks, 'Odin'...for helping in expanding the awareness of modern slavery.

[-] 3 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

You are very welcome Renny. I knew that poem fit our journey to a tee

I'm happy for gnomunny for having made such a great positive impact as evidenced with the email he received from SumOfUS.org. I know he worked very hard on that thread and he did a great job

I was in NY today on my way to the Dance Parade, and to see some OWS friends who were taking part in the parade when I came across these people (not OWS) protesting outside of Wendys. I asked if I could join them when they went in to confront the manager, and hand out flyers to the customers. They said "sure"!, so I did. It seems Wendy's does not participate in the Fair Food Program that guarantees farmworkers "humane labor standards." McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Taco Bell (Yum! Brands), and Chipoltes Mexian Grill have all signed on though. So it's time to put some pressure on Wendy's

http://www.ciw-online.org/

The first time i visited Sweden and saw the af Chapman, i was 19 years old too. Unfortunately it was winter, and the ship was not open for visitors

I made up for that though in the summer of 2011 when my sister, one of my daughters, and I went to Sweden to celebrate my Dad's 80th anniversary in coming to America for the first time on the af Chapman. Very good friends from Sweden stayed on the ship overnight with us. When everyone else prepared for bed, my daughter and i went up to the bow of the ship. We found someone up there to take our picture in front of the windlass, while holding up my Dad's picture which was taken in the exact same place that he had his picture taken all those year ago. It was cool...real cool, as my daughter and i connected in a really nice way

I fell in love with Eva Cassidy after watching a Nightline show about her life several years ago. She refused to let the record companies "pigeon-hole" her. She wanted to sing whatever 'moved' her. What is really extraordinary about her is she sang What A Wonderful World in a little club in DC with many of her friends in the audience crying. Both her and they knew she was terminally ill with cancer. She died six weeks later. What a voice, and what a beautiful, courageous woman she was...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXU219b3Zdw

~Odin~

Yes my Dad would have been 101 this year, but how did you figure out his birthday was in September?

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

You and I had a wonderful conversation on this thread. I had lost a very special person in my life that day, and our conversation helped get me through.

http://occupywallst.org/forum/911-a-geo-political-monster-a-cris-de-coeur-by-tim/

Yes, LeoYo, gnomunny and I have posted on the Wendy's CIW subject you speak of. CIW is doing great things for agricultural workers, but much is left to do...and there you were...right in the thick of it! You rock, Odin!

I'm so glad you're back.

[-] 2 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

And yes that was a "wonderful conversation" we had. You have a very good memory too

The former comes easy when you are conversing with a thoughtful person

~Odin~

[-] 2 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

I forgot that 'we' had talked about Eva Cassidy earlier and the af Chapman too i guess, but i do remember talking about both of them on here, so i guess i'm not too bad yet...lol

I'm glad that i was able to help you in what must have been a very difficult time. Being there for each will a very important role we must all play in our journey

Yesterday's Dance Party was a time to celebrate COMMUNITY though. The long parade down Broadway was really neat...the multi-cultural, colorful costumes...the smiles...the floats...the dancing. It reminded me of Mardi Gras, and it all culminated at Tompkin's Square Park where there were three band-stands, and all types of music blaring and people dancing

I noticed you can download letters to the managers of Wendy's and others to drop off at your local stores. I really like that idea and as i mentioned to gonomunny, i would like to see this web site do that. Unfortunately my printer isn't working right now.

One more time to NY for me, probably next Saturday's Monsanto protest, before leaving for Alaska in June

Thanks for being here Renny...and for your fun spirit..~.^ ...;-)

[-] -1 points by AlwaysWiIIBeAlwaysRight (-96) 10 years ago

Did Mike finally write to you?

[-] -1 points by AlwaysWiIIBeAlwaysRight (-96) 10 years ago

Keep up your work on the ground. That's what matters. This website is just for entertainment purposes. Go to affinity groups and create real change. Thumbs up for your relentless work. One day, the dream of jart and I to have a Bridge to the Ground will become reality. E-Democracy is the future and the tool with which anarchy could become nation wide. Until then, ground work is what makes a difference.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

We are on our way to reaching the 'saturation' point, where enough people have a fuller, more panoptic awareness about the atrocious practices in the supply chains behind the items in their everyday lives, and more importantly, the wretched lives they/we have, through ignorance, colluded to create.

Though there is much more work to be done...once the saturation point happens...those in the know will share information and not let others be unaccountable for their choices.

Personally...I can't wait! 'Cause, hurting others, isn't sitting very well.

Well said - and your last line there? The sooner the better.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Uh-huh...I picture the day all the world's people can walk without shackles, in peace and beauty ~ dignity.

It would be nice if it happened in our lifetime. But if it doesn't...we will have been instrumental in exposing the criminal elite greed and the slavery they imposed. The information is all here for anyone in the future to see.

Eva Cassidy ~ People Get Ready - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8W9rPxxnP4

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

People working for equality get a step closer.


From People for the American Way:

I have to tell you, this is an exciting moment. It has been a long journey, but Minnesota is on the cusp of history.

Last Thursday the Minnesota House of Representatives voted 77-59 in favor of Marriage Equality for same-sex couples.

This Monday the Minnesota State Senate is scheduled to debate the measure, where it also has bi-partisan support, and sponsors say they have the votes to pass it. Once the Senate passes it, Governor Mark Dayton has said he will sign it.

I’m not missing this historic moment, and I want you to come join me and our allies from Minnesotans United and OutFront Minnesota to show your support for marriage equality for all Minnesotans.

WHAT: Minnesota State Senate debate on Marriage Equality

WHEN: THIS MONDAY, May 13th, beginning at 9AM

WHERE: Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. St Paul, MN 55155

The time has come for full marriage equality for all Minnesotans. If you can, I hope you’ll be there to join me in this incredible moment in the history of equality rights.

Sincerely,

Scott Foval, Regional Coordinator

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

It is good to have something to work for - something so necessary and good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJk-mm0ldoQ

[-] -2 points by LoneRanger (-307) 10 years ago

Did you get the email from Michael Harris concerning the invitation to join our Bridge To The Ground project as a PR agent for affinity groups?

[-] 3 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

No I don't believe that I did receive an email from him despite being on the OWS Google groups

~Odin~

[-] -2 points by LoneRanger (-307) 10 years ago

OK, I'll make sure he gets it to you next week. He's busy with protests this weekend. He's pretty much taking care of the Bridge to the Ground project now. I moved on to working on modules for our communications array. I still peek at the Bridge project though.

Hope things are good with you and that you keep working hard with the affinity groups. Keep it up! We can't give up this fight.

[-] 5 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Great 6 minute video, 'g' ! The living wage calculation and quick tutorial show that there are groups working towards that end. This is good news of course...and is a formula and standard of living that could be used on a global scale.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZTn8jD2GcRA

My only concern, as usual, is its a system that could easily be hijacked and abused by the 'collectivist' corporate globalists. Too much power for a few. The mere mention of 'The World Bank' gives me the chills. So, the only way I can see this potential 'dignity for all human beings' global system staying un-usurped is if it is run 'by the people for the people'.

Yep, "A People's Society". Only WE will make sure all the world's people live in dignity and peace.

~ "The Asia Floor Wage Alliance (AFWA) is an international alliance of trade unions and labour rights activist who are working together to demand garment workers are paid a living wage." ~

The good news about the website you provide is that they outwardly list it's members AND it's steering committee for anyone to investigate. There does appear to be some transparency. Good stuff.

Members of the Asia Floor Wage Alliance;

http://www.cleanclothes.org/livingwage/members-of-the-asia-floor-wage-alliance

Steering Committee of the Asia Floor Wage;

http://www.cleanclothes.org/livingwage/asia-floor-wage-steering-committee

All in all, I sure am glad to see there are inroads being made by groups that are clearly active in this important arena.

Thanks again, 'g'...for this important thread and wonderfully informative link.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

No, thank you for all the time and work you've put into this ever-growing thread. I've begun to consider it just as much your thread as mine. Well, it's OWS' thread, but you know what I mean. ;-)

And I have a couple more additions for it, and hell, this is as good a place to post them as any, eh?

1. Courtesy of LeoYo and his never-ending stream of informative and pertinent posts. Considering I have a link to the CIW above, this thread is a good fit, as well as good news:

http://occupywallst.org/forum/a-penny-a-pound-plus-power-the-coalition-of-immoka/

And #2, in reference to Bangladesh:

http://www.businessinsider.com/bangladesh-garment-workers-2013-5

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Good news indeed 'g'. It has me thinking though...'Modern Slavery' is a global crisis and warrants a 'global march', much the same way there is a global march on Monsanto (GMOs). It needs to be specifically about 'Modern Slavery', not just 'fair wages' or 'right to work', in that they don't inform and expose quite the same issues or the degree of depravity of the 'human condition' as it applies to the apathy of the ruling elite & governments...particularly, but not exclusively, as it relates to the 'ever growing' human trafficking for the 'sex slavery trade'.

I wonder if Occupy has been doing any work at all in the way of a global march on Modern Slavery? 'Cause, it really needs to happen!

From link - Courtesy of 'LeoYo' - http://occupywallst.org/forum/a-penny-a-pound-plus-power-the-coalition-of-immoka/

~ "The trick to changing the industry, Asbed said, “lies, first of all, in combating the billions [in advertising] that are spent against any kind of meaningful consumer thought. And, second of all, in combating the natural instinct of the consumer to be self-oriented. Consciousness is the first necessary component for change. That’s what will create new consumer decisions. And those new consumer decisions will force corporations at the public end of the industry to change their decisions. And those corporations are so powerful that when they start changing decisions, the supply chain beneath them changes, too.” ~

~ "Gerardo Reyes, a CIW organizer, said, “Paulo Coelho said, ‘The world lies in the hands of those who have the courage to dream and who take the risk of living out their dreams.’ Our dream is that we no longer be considered second- or third-class citizens, tools which can just be thrown away after they are used. We dream of receiving the respect that human beings merit. We dream of the possibility to maintain our families with dignity, and to offer them the future that has been denied us for so long. We’re taking steps on the road that will open doors to workers in many industries, where the economic power of a few does not determine how a person will live his or her life, where money doesn’t determine if a person has more or less worth." ~

~ “Our dream will be realized when we have a just agriculture system, one that doesn’t step on the rights of the workers, where they are recognized as one of the most important parts of the industry. “For the consumers, we hope to see a day in which, when one says ‘farmworker,’ the word won’t be associated with powerlessness, voicelessness, inability to define one’s own destiny. Our dream is that when consumers think of who farmworkers are, they understand that we have taken up our pens to write our own history." ~

We have tireless Warriors in the field, and victories to be grateful for. The awareness is spreading...quicker now than ever before...still we have to keep the information flowing. Please share, with family and friends, the message of eradicating modern slavery.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Ahh...such kind words 'g''...but really, I can't thank you enough for this thread. In my view, modern slavery is the cardinal issue, unrivaled in scope...and converged focus on it will be pivotal to directly changing this human crisis, and this world, from a greed inspired hegemonic one, to a humanity based on love and dignity.

The reason I say it is the 'central' issue, is because there's no getting around it. Modern slavery? This one's on us. We have been very busy here looking and blaming outward. Its very easy to blame the institutions, governments and specific individuals that we have little control over. Pointing to the evil 'too big to touch' banks, the massive corporations, or the collectivist globalists is not without necessity, of course. However, it also provides a convenient excuse to not look within...to personal accountability.

Modern slavery was/is most definitely choreographed by the greedy multinational corporations and complicit governments, but we are the ones who can directly rebuild what can only now be called the 'terminal' condition of humanity, by not participating in the purchase of goods that feed the slave-masters and starve the slaves. We're better than this!

We can point outward all we want, but the greedy 0.01% will do what they want. It is exponentially more difficult to change the monetary controllers, than it is to change ourselves...and the difference we can make is profound and world changing.

We can change our own behaviours to reflect a fair and dignified world using 'fair trade' products, creating and utilizing co-operatives, and educating and building community toward...hopefully...someday...a system of (selfish plug here for my personal wish at the expense of possibly being seen as co-opting this conversation) 'Self-Rule' where we protect all the world's citizens "By The People, For The People". Because ultimately, we don't need the cooperation of banks, corporations or governments to change this world and free our brothers and sisters from modern slavery. We have the capacity to do that as a people. We just have to look within ourselves for the motivation, and to each other for cooperation and support.

Thanks to the links within this thread, it has become easier to make responsible decisions at the cash register. Here is the "Fair Trade" link for anyone who wishes to look up products that are made under the umbrella of fairness.

http://www.fairtradeusa.org/products-partners/apparel-linens

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

6 minute vid = GR8 Tweet. Thx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZTn8jD2GcRA

Food 4 Thought

Living Wage is needed

World Wide Problem

Not just USA

Consider the video.

Please Share

Circulate.

[-] 2 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 10 years ago

if one does not have a living income, one is a debt slave or wage slave, due to everything having a value/monetary cost.

http://occupywallst.org/forum/capitalism-should-give-universal-living-wage-or-el/

With technology and information knowledge we should be able to devise a system where we enjoy greater freedom. . A fair health system and living wage, freer access to advanced education, would be steps in right direction. Plus bank reform .

Good post.

[-] 5 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Walmart is the cesspool that breeds exploitation. They epitomize greed. And, yes...the top of a boycott list is a well earned position.

Thanks for the great link 'g', and the exposure of the practices of Walmart and H&M. I posted the below on another thread last night, but it needs to be here as well.

Link courtesy of Shadz; "Made in Bangladesh - The Terror of Capitalism", by Vijay Prashad : http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article34756.htm [Warning contains upsetting image]

~ "Attempts to shift the needle of exploitation have been thwarted by concerted government pressure and the advantages of assassination. Whatever decent lurks in Bangladesh’s Labour Act is eclipsed by weak enforcement by the Ministry of Labour’s Inspections Department. There are only eighteen inspectors and assistant inspectors to monitor 100,000 factories in the Dhaka area, where most of the garment factories are located. If an infraction is detected, the fines are too low to generate any reforms. When workers try to form unions, the harsh response from the management is sufficient to curtail their efforts. Management prefers the anarchic outbreaks of violence to the steady consolidation of worker power. In fact, the violence led the Bangladeshi government to create a Crisis Management Cell and an Industrial Police not to monitor violations of labour laws, but to spy on worker organisers. In April 2012, agents of capital kidnapped Aminul Islam, one of the key organisers of the Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity. He was found dead a few days later, his body littered with the marks of torture."~

Ludicrous, right? The mass acceptance of the subterfuge the 0.01% create to usher in more corruption under the guise of watch dog or regulatory agencies defies logic...yet it persists.

To demand from these 'people' (0.01%), to treat us fairly is anywhere from foolish to suicidal. Tantamount to begging a shark not to kill the baby seal that swims from side to side in front of it's nose. The hardened 0.01% simply do not have the capacity to love their fellow human beings. They will devour whatever it is they think they need to survive.

Or, it is like trying to reason with a hurricane to 'please' avoid a highly populated area to minimize loss of life. To the 0.01%, we are in their way. The hurricane has no mercy. It will take its path irrelevant of anything ...and, so too will the 0.01%.

This only further strengthens my conviction that our world will only improve when it is in the hands of the people. A 'People's Society'.

Silence is taken as consent. But, once the mass populace has been made aware, it turns into silent complicity. Surely by now, those days must be numbered. It is time to look inward.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yes, I read that ICH article a couple nights ago. Too much in it to quote here though, but the quote from Karl Marx rings just as true today as it did when he penned it 146 years ago.

And this line at the end of the ICH article did catch my eye:

"In the Atlantic world, meanwhile, self-absorption over the wars on terror and on the downturn in the economy prevent any genuine introspection over the mode of life that relies upon debt-fueled consumerism at the expense of workers in Dhaka."

Except here, my dear Renneye. Except here.

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

~ “But in its blind unrestrainable passion, its wear-wolf hunger for surplus labour, capital oversteps not only the moral, but even the merely physical maximum bounds of the working-day. It usurps the time for growth, development and healthy maintenance of the body. It steals the time required for the consumption of fresh air and sunlight…. All that concerns it is simply and solely the maximum of labour-power that can be rendered fluent in a working-day. It attains this end by shortening the extent of the labourer’s life, as a greedy farmer snatches increased produce from the soil by reducing it of its fertility” (Capital, Chapter 10)." ~ Karl Marx

That quote from 146 years ago is so indistinguishable to our own era, it is eerie. The 0.01% have, it seems, repackaged the same pilfering, tyranny and slavery, over and over again. With that knowledge available this time via the internet...hopefully, this time the revolution will end with a permanent shift to governing by the people, and let all of our world's people feel the love of equality and dignity. If the ruling elite were enslaving people in third world countries 146 years ago, and they still do today, they have absolutely no intention of stopping.

As for your last line, I couldn't agree more, 'gm'. "Except here". We are now aware and sharing this information, and a change will come. I feel it, deeply.

[-] 5 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

On a positive note, I just received the following e-mail from Marguerite Pettit from 'SumOfUs.org:"

"Gnomunny,

Major news: In the last 48 hours, over a half dozen major global clothing brands -- from Benetton to H&M to Canadian brand Joe Fresh -- have signed the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement.

Their decision to join this legally binding agreement comes in the wake of the worst industrial workplace disaster in history and ensures that Bangladeshi garment workers aren't forced to work in death traps. A few weeks ago in Bangladesh, nearly 2,000 workers were trapped as the Rana Plaza building -- which housed several major garment factories -- caved in upon itself. So far, more than 1,100 people have been confirmed killed.

But there are still major brands holding out -- and Gap is the most important. Gap was in negotiations with labor leaders to join the Agreement months ago, but then inexplicably backed away. Gap says it will sign the Agreement, as long as it isn't legally binding. Essentially Gap is saying "we'll sign, as long as no one can hold us accountable when we don't follow through". As consumers, it’s our job to push Gap over the edge!

Signing this agreement would ensure that the workers making Gap clothes have access to fire extinguishers, unlocked doors, and other basic fire safety precautions that we take for granted. The Agreement funds independent monitoring and investments in the most basic safety precautions.

According to workers who were on the scene in the Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh a few weeks ago, a crack had developed in the building the day before the collapse, triggering an evacuation order. Bank employees were told to stay home on Wednesday, but garment workers sewing clothes for major western brands were ordered to return to the production floor.

The SumOfUs.org community has been campaigning for months for major global retailers like the Gap to sign the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement, which would ensure basic worker protections for Bangladeshi workers. In the wake of the Tazreen fire, which killed 112 Bangladeshi garment workers last November, our community mobilized to show these brands that we are paying attention to the deplorable conditions in their supply chains.

Over 150,000 of us petitioned global brands to sign the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement. Then thousands of us donated to fund a trip by Sumi Abedin, a Tazreen factory survivor, and Kalpona Akter, a Bangladeshi labor activist, to come to the U.S. to challenge brands to take responsibility for their workers' safety. We even held a rally outside Gap’s corporate headquarters, just days after this latest tragedy -- which was covered in the New York Times. Gap might not have sourced from Rana Plaza, but if it doesn't sign the building safety agreement, a similar disaster could strike a Gap supplier any day.

The bottom line for Gap is this: No one should die making your clothes. It's time for Gap to sign the Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Agreement.

Thank you for standing up for workers everywhere, Marguerite, Claiborne, Kaytee, and the rest of us"

Link to the petition:

http://action.sumofus.org/a/gap-bangladesh/

So far, although Gap and Walmart (arrgh!) are major holdouts, according to HuffPo, fourteen major North American retailers refused to sign:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/17/bangladesh-factory-safety-accord_n_3286430.html

Some claim to be working on their own revised set of standards, others are working with an alternate organization, the "North American Bangladesh Worker Safety Working Group," and always with b.s. press releases stating that "safety is our highest priority" and "we continue working with industry partners, third-party organizations, etc.," blah, blah, blah.

Here's the link to the NABWSWG:

https://www.wewear.org/north-american-brands-and-retailers-announce-new-initiative-to-strengthen-commitment-to-safer-factories-in-bangladesh/

But we should at least celebrate all small victories, don't you think? It's just a crying shame that these victories so often come about after the cost of much human sacrifice, bloodletting and sorrow.

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Sheesh - Why would the GAP sign something that could make them responsible? That is SO non Profit.

[-] 5 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep, and I'm sure that goes for the other thirteen as well.

And, for the record, the fourteen retailers that refused to sign, and therefore should probably warrant a place on any activist's boycott list, are:

Walmart, GAP, Macy's, Sears/K-Mart, JC Penney, VF Corporation (owner of the brands The North Face, Wranglers, and Vans), Target, Kohl's, Cato Fashions, Carter's (parent of OshKosh B'Gosh), Nordstrom, American Eagle Outfitters, The Children's Place and Footlocker.

Jeez, what other American clothing retailers are there?

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

BooM and there it is - so plain so simple - people say - nah Ur kidding me.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (4358) from St Louis, MO 1 minute ago

Yeah, if you're not making a high enough wage to support yourself, all too often you become indentured to some entity, be it credit card companies or the government.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (4358) from St Louis, MO 1 minute ago

A quick read back thru this thread makes one wonder just who isn't using slaves nowadays. Just about every commercial product made overseas or south of the Rio Grande, or grown anywhere in the world, fast food, Asian restaurants, the governments and militaries of most of the world. Like I say, who's not involved?

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

Yeah the idea - gets poo pooed a lot - but what else is it - when every employer offers a wage that will not support you. A dawning realization? Hell is real - and it is a corp(se)oRAT product.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yeah, if you're not making a high enough wage to support yourself, all too often you become indentured to some entity, be it credit card companies or the government.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (4350) from St Louis, MO 5 minutes ago

Yeah, if I was to make an educated guess (oh fuck, here comes Thrasy, lol), I'd say those companies listed above easily control over 90% of the retail clothing market for the average American.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

So then basically - the major slave owners in existence.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

A quick read back thru this thread makes one wonder just who isn't using slaves nowadays. Just about every commercial product made overseas or south of the Rio Grande, or grown anywhere in the world, fast food, Asian restaurants, the governments and militaries of most of the world. Like I say, who's not involved?

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Trully sucks - to see those involved - and know how much they are of USA day to day.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yeah, if I was to make an educated guess (oh fuck, here comes Thrasy, lol), I'd say those companies listed above easily control over 90% of the retail clothing market for the average American.

[-] 2 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

I'm in a debate with some Americans on another site about the pros and cons of using third world labour to continue US hegemony.

Most are saying that without the US market, these poor people wouldn't have anything to do, except for growing enough to eat, and reproducing. I guess the big dumbing down has been more successful than previously thought.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Yep - no one seems to consider - that they could be improving their own country and developing it's own economy by putting their people to work at a living wage to then be circulated in their economy. Develop their own - Home market - then they would be in better shape to take part in the world market - and not be used by it.

[-] 2 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

I recall making a comment about ten years ago, that our western lifestyle would be impossible to sustain without a "developing" nation full of people being paid a pittance to churn out our consumer goods. The general response back then was, "If we run out of third world countries, we'll just bomb them back into the stone age."

We're seeing that happen right about now, aren't we?

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by Builder (3627) 2 minutes ago

Remember our convo and calculations about hemp oil, and the required land area to meet the requirements for oil production? Remembering also that the byproduct of the oil extraction is a high-protein food source?

These psychotic geriatric power-tripping inbred control-dazed phukks simply have to go the way of the dinosaur.

Can't believe that people are still buying their 1900's industrial-age BS. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

Yes yes I do - the incredible versatility of hemp it's fast growing, it's trait that it does not need pesticides or fertilizer and grows well in a wide range of climates. It is like a super-plant in it's usefulness - ready to go - grow wherever it is planted - just add some water.

  • [-] 2 points by shooz (19728) 3 minutes ago

    Like they care.

    As far as they're concerned.......We don't need a life. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

  • [-] 1 points by DKAtoday (25047) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 minutes ago

Exactly - those in power are removed from our reality - they go off into their own world - and we become faceless resources - like a fuse -

Damn a fuse burnt out.

Well? Pop in a new one.

  • We become unreal to them, unreal as being alive, unreal as being human, unreal as having a life, unreal as having the same needs.

They are in their way Distanced from reality:

http://occupywallst.org/forum/one-way-that-people-are-schooled-to-develope-and-l/ ↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply edit delete permalink

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Yes.

I would rather see ( from another conversation ):

  • [-] 3 points by gnomunny (4276) from St Louis, MO 1 hour ago

Yep. If the feds would start an infrastructure rebuilding program, I'd sign up in a heartbeat. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

  • [-] 1 points by DKAtoday (25047) from Coon Rapids, MN 1 hour ago

You would be with a vast crowd - me thinks. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply edit delete permalink

  • [-] 2 points by gnomunny (4270) from St Louis, MO 0 minutes ago

Very true. A comprehensive 50 state rebuilding program could possibly employ millions. Think about how much money that would get circulating in the economy. Dumb asses.

It almost makes one think they don't want to. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

  • [-] 1 points by DKAtoday (25047) from Coon Rapids, MN 34 minutes ago

And that does not even get into the opportunities to be had in up-grading the rest of the World.

It is power madness and greed that is standing in the way - and yes that is insane - as their is a ton of money to be made in going clean. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply edit delete permalink

  • [-] 2 points by gnomunny (4276) from St Louis, MO 0 minutes ago

Yeah, I wasn't even considering the rest of the world, which would put many more millions to work. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

  • [-] 1 points by DKAtoday (25047) from Coon Rapids, MN 1 minute ago

As well as in the doing - remove much of the reasons for strife/conflict over resources. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle reply edit delete permalink

[-] 2 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

Remember our convo and calculations about hemp oil, and the required land area to meet the requirements for oil production? Remembering also that the byproduct of the oil extraction is a high-protein food source?

These psychotic geriatric power-tripping inbred control-dazed phukks simply have to go the way of the dinosaur.

Can't believe that people are still buying their 1900's industrial-age BS.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Repeating the past...that chord needs to be cut. We have to progress not regress.

Remembering the past is supposed to be so that it's mistakes are not repeated. Not the other way around - so to repeat.

[-] 4 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Aminul Islam was tortured because they wanted to know who else was involved, right? They didn't have electronic records. They didn't have DHS, NSA and all the US Telcom Corporations which are modern inventions.

From West Virginian Coal Mines, Chinese Rail Road Workers, Women Working in the Garment District in Ney York City,... all through the Great Depression, ... and all the Third World countries where the big Fruit Corporations and Clothing & Shoe Factories have been..... Corporations have been spying on Employees & Unions working to break up Organized Labor.

I think in China ... It is the Government that acts as Strike Breakers. I only say this based on what happens to Protesters. I guess I need to do a Search.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/22/chinese-workers-strike_n_2525171.html (Chinese Workers hold Managers Hostage, Timed bathroom breaks)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21192096 (Greek Police Break up Workers Strike)

http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2011/12/chin-d03.html (Chinese Police called by management to break up Strike over slow down)

http://panafricannews.blogspot.com/2013/02/egyptian-police-break-up-alexandria.html (Egypt)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/11/AR2010061102012.html (2010, Chinese Police Clash with Protesters, Honda Motors Strike)

"It's everywhere. And all kinds of enterprises," said Xu Xiaonian, an economics and finance professor at the China Europe International Business School. "It's not confined to multinationals and joint ventures. And not just the South -- everywhere."

There have been strikes and protests before in China, but Crothall said the difference now is that the workers seem far better organized at the factory level, and they seem far more willing to make their grievances public without concern about retaliation from their managers. "What's significant about these strikes is there seems to be no fear," he said.

Chinese Workers Union is an Official Union, ... but as a partner of factory managers and local government officials to ensure labor peace. (workers don't represent themselves)

http://libcom.org/library/workers-autonomy-strikes-china-mouvement-communiste (Police called in, 20 women arrested)

I guess... if we study Economics or news or Workers Rights ... we find Oligarchs in all countries... and that defines Third World Countries. But can we Identify the Big Countries that have become Duopolies, Corporate Governments, or Fascist Governments?

What, I guess we would say the G20 Countries & China are Corporate Run. AND I see Criticism from developed Nations that there is a Exclusiveness & Clubbiness to G20, in that members outside of the G20, but also members of the United Nations, UN. Africa is very under Represented in the G20.

Denmark is not G20
Finland is not G20
Sweden is no G20
Norway is not G20
Singapore is not G20
China is not G20

Africa South Africa
North America United States G7
North America Canada G7
North America Mexico
South America Brazil
South America Argentina
Asia China
Asia Japan G7
Asia South Korea
Asia India
Asia Indonesia
Eurasia Russia
Europe Turkey
Europe European Union
Europe Germany G7
Europe France G7
Europe United Kingdom G7
Europe Italy G7
Middle East Saudi Arabia
Oceania Australia

Both Canada and South Korea invited seven international organizations to the G20: the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, and the Financial Stability Board.[36][37]

I wonder if Germany or any other country can be called a Tripart Country?*
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_state
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tripartism

Tripartism became a popular form of economic policy during the economic crisis of the 1930s.[4] Tripartism was supported from a number of different political perspectives at this time; one was Roman Catholic politics; fascism supported this for fascist unions but repressed communist and social democratic unions; and in democratic politics.[5] Tripartism is a prominent economic policy in Europe; it is a core part of the economic systems in Scandinavia and the Benelux that were put in place by social democratic governments.[6]

Well, guess Tripartism is a mixed bag...?

The International Labour Organization is the only United Nations agency that is based on tripartism. It uses the discussions between the three groups in drafting of standards and conventions. Also for the implementation of ILO-standards in national law tripartite consulations on a national level are a requirement[7] for those countries party to the Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards) Convention, 1976.

The United States withdrew from the ILO in 1977, based partly on the claim that communist countries could not send authentically tripartite representation.[8][9]

See also
Polder model
Social market economy
Rhine capitalism
Social corporatism
Nordic model

“Rhine capitalism" was coined in 1991 said to be present in Germany, France and in some of the Northern European economies.

according to Albert, is founded on publicly organized social security. Albert analyzes the Rhenish model as the more equitable, efficient, and less violent one. However, according to Albert, complex psychological phenomena and the functioning of the press lets the American model appear more attractive and dynamic to the general public.

Against this Michel Albert wrote - even in 1991 - for example: “The largest banks know, however, that they are literally 'too big to fail' and can count on a helping hand from government...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhine_capitalism

Albert identifies the following characteristics of Rhine capitalism:
the world of finance is more dominated by the banks instead of the stock exchanges,
close relationships between banks and companies,
a well-adjusted balance of power between share holders and managers,
social partnership between employers and unions,
employees of higher loyalty,
better educated employees thanks to something like the dual education system,
more regulated markets and – last but most importantly – shared values by most of the citizens regarding the ideas of equality and solidarity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polder_model
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_market_economy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_corporatism
The Nordic countries have the most comprehensive form of collective-bargaining, where trade unions are represented at the national level by official organizations alongside employers unions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_model

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Cross referenced here:

"For those attempting to overhaul conditions for workers who are paid as little as $38 a month, it is a grim reminder that corporate social responsibility programs are failing to deliver on lofty promises."

Modern Day Slavery is clearly no accident...indeed it is being encouraged through atrocious and collusive governments ending in calamitous and heartbreaking lives for our fellow human beings. The Bangladesh (and other regions) garment industry is a slavery monster that needs far more attention.

Great link shooz. Thanks. I will share it (with kudos to you), on the "Modern Day Slavery" thread for further reach.

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20130426/DA5T8RBO3.html

http://occupywallst.org/forum/in-key-senate-job-ex-lockheed-exec-replaced-by-ex-/#comment-964745

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Good link Renneye. Thanks to you, and by extension shooz, for posting this. And kudos to you for bringing it over here.

From the link:

"The proposal was presented at a 2011 meeting in Dhaka attended by more than a dozen of the world's largest clothing brands and retailers - including Wal-Mart, Gap and Swedish clothing giant H&M - but was rejected by the companies because it would be legally binding and costly.

"At the time, Wal-Mart's representative told the meeting it was "not financially feasible ... to make such investments," according to minutes of the meeting obtained by The Associated Press.

"After last year's Tazreen blaze, Bangladeshi union president Amin said he and international labor activists renewed a push for the independent inspectorate plan, but none of the factories or big brands would agree."

Boycott!

[-] 6 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Boycott is right!! Clearly the conspiracy to oppress and control is massive in scope.

A time old and in this case, barely disguised collusive effort to keep regulation in red tape, seemingly in perpetuity. Kept going by the 'greed cartel', a hidden mutual agreement to stonewall, blame each other and/or feign that one hand doesn't know what the other is doing.

The greedy S.O.B.'s!! Despicable!!

YES! Freakin' Boycott!! Walmart, and now Gap and H&M are on the shitlist!

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

The Walton's can't afford it. Uh-huh.

Despicable indeed!

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

The Waltons. What a joke. At least some of the other .01% families had the sense to stay somewhat hidden. I can't imagine the Waltons being able to walk in public any more. I wonder if they feel the rising anger of the peasants. Sooner or later, they will.

Hey! Do we have a dedicated 'Corporate Greed Boycott' thread yet??

There should be a thread with a list of companies (and the reason for boycott) that the forum members can go to, to check out before making purchases so they're making socially responsible decisions. It won't be perfect, but its a start! Walmart is in position #1.

[-] 3 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

Nestle should be right up there after stating that water should be a commodity, and not a given.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I agree. I just got done reading an article earlier tonight (TruthOut, maybe?) about Nestle's CEO saying exactly that, among other equally revealing comments.

[-] 3 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

I keep getting booted off the web when I watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTqvBhFVdvE&feature=player_embedded

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Thanks Builder. That guy is so far removed from reality, I almost had to stop watching. Almost.

This presents a kind of difficulty, because Nestle IS doing something about modern day cocoa slavery as written about here.

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/category/chocolates-child-slaves/

This company could conceivably end up being put on both sides of the boycott list. Bad for water, but good for chocolate.

Here is a link regarding three major chocolate makers pledging to eradicate slave labour from their supply chains.

"The Italian company, which produces Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella spread and Kinder eggs, follows Nestle and Hershey as the third major chocolate manufacturer to announce new anti-slavery moves since September."

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/20/ferrero-sets-date-to-end-cocoa-slavery/

[-] 3 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

By 2020? Takes seven years to decide that child slave labour has to go?

I'd be putting them on the list until they get off the slave labour circuit.

And here's nestle trying to patent ancient herbal remedies. Not a good look at all. http://action.sumofus.org/a/nestle-nigella-sativa/3/2/?sub=fb

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

You're right of course...but that is generally the way most companies work toward their participation in bad practices. I'm not saying reward them...but, clearly there has been enough public awareness of the slavery issue that the corporations have started to make changes.

The public can also email these companies to let them know they are aware that the corporation is taking steps to eradicate slavery, thus, letting the corporations know that people are keeping an eye on their practices, and their progress. In fact, I think its 'our' social responsibility to call or email them and let them know that we are keeping an eye on 'their' social responsibility.

[-] 3 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

Yes, I'm not backward in emailing companies I'm at odds with.

I am always polite and to the point, and start and finish formally.

I won a year-long battle with our major telco over a billing error of theirs that escalated out of all proportion to the original issue.

Patience is a virtue not often expressed by youth.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

I see it in you to stay the course, Builder. Of that, I have no doubt.

"Patience is a virtue not often expressed by youth." You have a point...that's why they need us to help guide them, lol!

This last year and a half though, I've been pleasantly surprised by the knowledge of our youth. My niece and nephews have blown me away with how much they're aware of. They speak my language, heheheh, and I've had great conversations with them.

[-] 3 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

That's great, Renneye. One of my nieces is such a switched-on Leo powerhouse that I'm often blown away by her energy levels and modus operandi. Gives me hope.

Her brother is a narcissistic selfy personnified, so there goes my theory of parental influence. They have different fathers, so I'll go with genetics for that explanation.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Hope is right! My niece is in school to become a tv camera tech. She's going to see and hear all kinds of crazy. I too have hope. But then I'm a Pisces, I see potential in everything, lol!!

Genetics is quite likely. That's why the .01% lunatics want their spindly, sprawling hands on genetics.

My two kids, 10 and 12 now, are very different. Intelligent, but in different areas. I don't hold much back with them. We have great conversations too. They know far more about politics, religion and the oligarchs, than I did at their age. Modern day slavery for instance...I had no concept of it when I was a kid...but they do.

Hope!!

Ok, so these are my middle of the night ramblings. ~.^

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

It looks like that petition is from sometime last year, but I went ahead and signed it anyway.

[-] 2 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

Wow, I only got it this last week.

I signed it as well. Might be just one more reason to boycott them.

My stepdad has requires the herb Saw Palmetto for his plumbing problems, and it costs him a motza. I did some searching around for some seeds, and it would appear that there's a closed market for this prostate cure herb.

The bastards. I'll keep looking.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Hmmm, I know nothing about Saw Palmetto. You might want to ask Renneye about it, she's pretty informed about all things natural, so she might have some advice. In lieu of some seeds, I wonder if you could get a hold of a cutting or two and try to get them to root.

[-] 2 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

It looks like dandelion, with a sharper leaf shape. It's an herb, so it grows only from seed, and it's an annual. I'll keep looking. Someone will have it.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Hmmm, I just watched it thru and had no problem. All the things he says in that video were quoted in the article I read earlier tonight. What a typical, elitist hypocrite.

Since Coca Cola also deserves to be on the boycott list, just do a web search of all the products marketed by Coke and Nestle's. You'll be shocked at how many products you'd have to avoid to enforce a boycott. I haven't checked Nestle's yet, but I'm doing a damn good job of avoiding all Coke-related purchases in my shopping.

[-] 2 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

Yeah, I've had a look at their product range.

Maggi is the only line I've had to drop from my shopping list.

I've had probs with U-toob on firefox for a while now. I just copy the URL and open another browser if I want to watch anything.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Ah, an active boycotter, I assume? Bravo, Builder, glad to hear it.

[-] 2 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

Thanks G. We have just one independent fuel supplier in my area, and it's a bit of a drive (five miles), but I'm not buying off any of the others.

I never knew maggi was one of the nestle group products. I much prefer to shop at the local markets, and there are now two markets in my area, and both within walking distance. Lucky me.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Two local markets both within walking distance. Lucky indeed. And five miles isn't all that far to drive to stay true to your convictions. It's well worth the extra drive, in my opinion.

[-] 2 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

I'm carless at the moment. My friend is going to do some maintenance work that I've been putting off for a while. Had this car for twelve years and 200.000 kms. I guess it deserves some TLC. I'm keen to drop back to a motor bike, but I still need to work for ten years to get the cash to truly drop out of the mainstream.

Kinda tears me up a bit, having to play the game, but I don't see any other way around the problem. Seems kinda weird, when the economy here is booming, and most people are deeply indebted and consuming like there's no end to it all.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Well, take heart in the fact that we all have to play the game to some extent. That's the world they've created for us. I just wish I'd have known about a lot of this shit ten or fifteen years ago, then I wouldn't be in the precarious position I now find myself in. I spent most of the nineties and the 2000's with blinders on, it seems, and didn't really do any planning ahead. Of course, when partying and running the streets is your primary focus, it sure is easy to miss a lot of what's going on.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

We definitely need a boycott list that forum members can refer to. Maybe we should work on that. Post it and have forum members add to it as time goes on. I have something bookmarked that's related to this, but I'll have to dig it out. It has a list already started, and needless to say, I have a list of my own. Wal-Mart would definitely be #1 in my book.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Cool! Agreed then. I'd love to work on that!

I'll see what I can find Boycott List wise too, and we can combine it.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

We'll do that. I'll dig my list out in the next couple of days and try to find that bookmark. Then I'll PM you and we can work on it, okay?

Edit: we can definitely find some additions to the list in some of the links here as well.

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Sounds like a plan!

Equally important I think, while we're checking for the Greedy Boycott Corporations, is to take notice of corporations that are doing what they can to end modern day slavery, and list those as well. Perhaps even in the same thread. Bad and good corporations.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I like that idea, both bad and good in the same thread. I think it would turn into a valuable resource. I might add it to my profile page as well, for quick reference.

[-] 2 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

Sounds like a good plan g, but do you think we should keep it to the five worst corps, and cover several different sectors of the economy

It's your 'baby,' and whatever you decide, I will do my best to support it

~Odin~

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Hey, Odin.

We've bounced the idea of a boycott thread around a couple of times now, so maybe it's time to actually put one up. I'm not sure I'd want to keep it too confined, by focusing on the five worst, but I'm always up for suggestions. And I like the idea of having forum members adding to it over time, especially if accompanied with compelling facts to support it.

[-] 2 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

Yes I remember. Like i said, I'll support you. How about we put up the reason for our boycott in a very consise way too

And maybe we (you ;-) lol) could consider putting up a PDF for people to copy and print, maybe a bunch of them 3" x 4" size..6 to a page then we could leave them of at Walmart, etc

~Odin~

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Definitely agree with putting a concise reason for the boycott for every example. And I like the idea of being able to run off copies that forum members could leave in places of business, kind of like your flyers. Great idea!

[-] 2 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

Thanks...figure on an 8-1/2 x 11" bright color paper we could have six of then to copy and print, so each one would be 3-2/3" x 4-1/4"

Maybe, it would be a good way to link with the forum admin... with this project to

~Odin~

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Hmmm, I wonder how this would fly with the admins. You would probably have a better idea about that than I. Regardless, it sounds like this could be a good work in progress, since I'd envision an ever expanding boycott list, up to a point, of course.

[-] 2 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

I don't know for sure, but I think the administration would like the idea. i could email them and ask when we're ready

We could vote on the best ones by stink... & twinkling (finally that could serve a good purpose ;-)

And we could make some really big headings & stuff

Si maybe 4....4.25" x 5.5" to a page might be better

~Odin~

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Four per page would probably be better. Good idea about voting on them, too. It looks like me and Renneye had better get busy on it real soon then. ;-)

[-] 3 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

I'll be the benolvent over-seer, OK?

I love delegating jobs ;-)

Good Night

~Odin~

[-] 2 points by inclusionman (7064) 10 years ago

Sounds like a great use of the forum (and beyond).

A specific effort to incite, encourage boycotts.

I bet you can find many boycott posts/comments on the forum now that you can incorporate.

Glad to see useful ideas being discussed. Stick with it.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

"I'll be the benolvent over-seer, OK?"

Heheh, sounds like a good job for ya.

Good night, Odin. I'm out of here pretty soon as well.

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

I have 43 slaves working for me, according to the interactive you included in your forum post. And I do my level best to stay out of the corporate consumerist parameters. It can't account for the things that I do to minimize this of course, but it doesn't matter. Even if its off by 42 slaves and leaves only one, that's 1 too many.

It is time we look at the difficult subjects. We can not turn our heads away any more. Not if we want to create a truly beautiful and healthy world, full of happy people that live in personal dignity. Only this way can we collectively walk in beauty.

We ARE collectively responsible for this. And we must have the personal courage to look within ourselves, and acknowledge what our roles in this has been. Its not pretty.

At the very least, we can make better decisions at the cash register and become knowledgeable about what products contribute to modern day slavery. These are small things that each of us can do, here and now.

If WE don't...then who?

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

We ARE collectively responsible for this.

Yep. We have much to atone for.

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Yes, DKA...we are collectively responsible for modern day slavery...and it is 'collectively' that we will abolish it. WE must be the ones, because TPTB will never do it.

Modern day slavery is the 'human' equivalent of a global nuclear meltdown who's fallout will take generations to heal...even if abolished today. And we do have to start today. Thanks again, DKA...for your Tweet the other day.

Thus, our atonement begins.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

43? You're a materialistic barbarian, Renneye! heheheh.

And your comment about this being something everyone of us could start doing almost immediately is the right thing to take from this post, I think. Strategies that can be implemented immediately and, aside from the human savings, possibly in the future, make corporations a bit more accountable.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Hahahah! It's my turn! "Hey now!" I guess that's what I get for ribbing you last night. Touche, my friend.

Yes, its an eye opener, to be sure. Thanks 'gm'.

[-] 2 points by inclusionman (7064) 10 years ago

Effort to help victims of human trafficking

http://mashable.com/2013/03/29/befree-text-shortcode/

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Effort very much appreciated 'Iman'. This is a brilliant use modern tech to solve an atrocious problem. So, thank you.

"Human trafficking victims and concerned citizens across the United States can now send quick and discreet text messages for help, thanks to a new joint initiative to end modern slavery.

Polaris Project and Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children — formerly known as the Demi and Ashton (DNA) Foundation — have teamed up with communication API service Twilio and Salesforce Foundation, providing an SMS-based program that instantly connects people to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) hotline.

SEE ALSO: Why Tech and New Media Can Help End Modern Slavery"

http://mashable.com/2013/03/29/befree-text-shortcode/

[-] 1 points by inclusionman (7064) 10 years ago

I will thanks. Did you see the virtual march on MS? Another good use of modern tech/activism.

[-] 2 points by inclusionman (7064) 10 years ago

Action: 4/9 against Slavery. Join with enditmovement

http://www.enditmovement.com/

Please spread around

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

This is one of my favourite threads...so, thank you. Powerful message in the link.

[-] 2 points by inclusionman (7064) 10 years ago

Important movement, for a tragic issue.

[-] -2 points by greysone (-264) 10 years ago

Fire them and " liberate " them. Im sure they will love you for it.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Have you done the interactive that's included in the forum post, to find out what your modern day slavery footprint is?

It only takes a couple of minutes...

http://slaveryfootprint.org/#gadgets

[-] -1 points by greysone (-264) 10 years ago

sorry, i have no slaves, the video is laughable. .

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

You actually think you're living the North American life...and are not a part of the problem of modern day slavery?? Now THAT is laughable.

Of course the interactive has unwritten variables, so what...Its a basic tool to impress upon you, the fact that there are people living desperately exploited lives so we can buy cheap sunglasses and garden knomes at the dollar store. Or is it ok that your fellow human beings are working the African cocoa fields 16 hours a day for a few cents a day (or no pay at all) so you can have a 50 cent chocolate bar?

Do you have a car? Live in a house? Wear clothes? Eat food? Unless you live in Borneo, you're a part of the problem...we ALL are. Don't turn your head away. Its time to free our fellow human beings from their chains.

I invite you to take a look at any one of the great links in the forum post or in the two first posts in this 'content rich' thread. Snap out of it!

[-] 2 points by Stormcrow1 (-25) 10 years ago

I think if people are that "concerned" about "modern day slavery" they should buy some land, farm it and live off it. Then they can be their own slave to themselves.

But I doubt that anyone on this site will do such a thing. What I find interesting about the people who post things on this site is:

They want everyone to participate but they don't The like to tell everyone how to live but they don't walk the talk. They come out with ways they think will be for the betterment of society but they have no experience in what they preach.

What have you done to "reduce your problem with the modern day slavery?

[-] 8 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

"We should ALL buy some land, farm it and live off it?" That doesn't sound ludicrous to you?? Be reasonable.

Though I've known, like most people do, that slavery exists...through our discussions here, I've had to take a rather harsh and sorry look at myself and face that I have been complicit in modern day slavery...and it really sucked. So for me, its a work in progress.

There are many ways in which we can combat modern day slavery. Simple things individuals can implement right away, by almost everyone...and we don't have to topple an empire to start doing it.

  1. Though we cannot all buy farms. We can (as I do) go to our local farmer's markets where we 'know' the locals and can choose to purchase from the ones who don't exploit migrant workers.

  2. We can familiarize ourselves (I am in the process) with companies that have strong evidence they don't use slave labour...and make our choices at the cash register accordingly. Some of the links in the OP and the first 2 posts on this thread have organizations that investigate and mention socially responsible companies. For instance Estee Lauder is a cosmetics company that makes sure their supply chains don't include 'mica' from forced child slave labour in mica mining.

  3. We can shop (as I do) for many things at thrift stores.

  4. We can REDUCE the shear amount of STUFF we use. We don't need half the crap we think we do.

  5. We can talk to family and friends about 'modern day slavery' (as I do), as I think most are not aware of the shear magnitude of the problem.

  6. We can use social media to spread the word. (Mass Tweets; idea courtesy of ZenDog)

  7. The most rewarding thing I've done thus far, is teach my kids about this atrocity on our fellow human beings. They don't think its cool at all that kids all over the world are forced into slavery so 'they' can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Their awareness will be passed on to their friends, and so on.

  8. Put pressure on local School Boards and individual teachers to bring this social tragedy into the classroom.

If you have any more suggestions on minimizing or eradicating modern day slavery, I'd love to hear more ideas we can list here to inspire folks to make these small but profoundly effective changes.

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Addendum: Teaching our young regarding "Modern Day Slavery" is key to changing the mindset of a global 'apathy'. But parents teaching their children is only a small percentage of what can be done. As parents we can personally put pressure on local School Boards and individual teachers to bring this social tragedy into the classroom.

The point of the list above is to gather ideas that 'we', as individuals can do realistically, consciously and responsibly in our everyday lives to stamp out modern day slavery and build empathy towards our fellow human beings.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

A great list, Renneye. I await his response to you. And me, for that matter.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Yep! Thanks 'gm'...the list is a good start. I'd love to have people sound-in on 'Modern Day Slavery', and contribute an idea or two that I could add to the list of things we can do immediately in our day-to-day lives.

Oh, and yes, a response would be interesting, wouldn't it? ;-)

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I think your idea from below about making up some small stickers and placing them in thrift store windows, libraries, etc. is a good idea. Flyers like Odin prints up would be good. Also, maybe contacting various human rights groups with the idea of school visits might work. Especially if it was done collectively.

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

You're on to something there, 'gm'. The collective psyche with regards to 'recycling' is connected almost entirely to environmental reasons. Stopping pollution and stopping depletion of resources. Should the 'recycling' campaign not include our most precious of resources...our world's human beings?

It seems to me that the definition of recycling should be officially expanded to include the eradication of modern day slavery. Government and school literature, Federal State/Provincial and local...gees, global for that matter, should be changed to reflect that more panoptic view and higher public awareness.

Thrift store shopping also needs a consciousness shift. The stores themselves should be actively promoting the recycling of clothing and goods as a part of the solution to eradicating modern day slavery. It wouldn't take long at all, once introduced, to make this a permanent connection in the collective mind of society.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Good comments, Renneye. It seems like you've given this subject quite a bit of thought. Recycling and the second-hand goods economy certainly mesh well with this concept, and bringing awareness to them about the role they already play in this would be an excellent move.

[-] 1 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

Admitting that we have all been part of the problem as you have done is the first step in the recovery of our society to what is more wholesome and honest

BTW, I'm going to AK in June where they have great thrift shops. Do you need anything? If so...errr...can you PM me your statistics? ....~.^ Ut oh!... have i went over the line this time, if so give me a cyber slap.

~Odin~

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Hahahahahah!! I think I've unleashed the inner Viking in you, lol! Odin, you know I'm an incorrigible flirt! Steady, Renneye... steady.

Here are my Swedish 'statistics' for you ~.^

http://www.scb.se/Pages/List____139369.aspx

You are so right, Odin. Admitting my/our part was quite difficult. I have far less than most, as I simplified my life and got rid of many 'things' about 15-20 years ago, live frugally, recycle/re-use, etc. Still, after reading the OP and the many links that followed, I 'took stock' and it seemed no matter which direction I looked in, I couldn't ignore that I was part of the problem. I suspect that is why many have not visited this thread. It takes some courage...but I have no right to feel bad for myself. It pales to nothingness in comparison to the lives lived (if you can call it living) by our enslaved and hurting...fellow human beings.

I wish them love...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFFo1pu4q7Q

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I don't shop Wal-Mart. I don't own a cell phone and the electronics I do own are second-hand or free. I rarely eat chocolate. Most my clothes I buy from the thrift stores. My house is 125 years old, therefore no slavery footprint in it's construction. I don't frequent prostitutes. I don't eat fast food and it's been a decade or more that I ate at a restaurant, far longer that I've eaten at an Oriental restaurant. Shall I go on?

I walk my talk, Stormcrow. How 'bout you?

[-] 1 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

Wow g, you really do walk the talk. Good on ya.

I can say i do not frequenting prostitudes, yes to thrift stores, yes to owning a cell phone, and very rarely to everything else.

I've much room for improvement

~Odin~

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Thanks, my friend.

Cell phones, I admit, are sometimes a necessary evil, but I'm glad I found that article that says Nokia is leading the way in this fight, so if I were ever to get one (I probably will if/when I get re-employed) I'd probably go with Nokia.

And I'm making an effort with keeping not only my slavery footprint as small as possible (there's always room for improvement) but my carbon footprint as well. But there's still some work to do on that front.

And as you probably know, I have a fairly extensive list of companies that I boycott as well, both local and multinational, and the list keeps growing the longer I'm on this site. I might not be occupying a park, or engaging in marches, but I'm trying to do my part by not feeding the machine whenever I can.

[-] 2 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

All types of RESISTANCE are great, and whose to say if one is better than the other

What you're doing, i am not doing near as well, but we are learning and pushing each other on

We can't all be doing the same thing, but we should all be doing something besides being here to further our struggle, and the World we want, the world we need

If we want an inhabitable world, we all have to make changes in how we live, and how we treat each other

And those small steps taken by each of us will bring about a change of ethos in our society, and it should not be viewed as a sacrifice, but rather as something shallow, 'consumerism' that we replace with something more meaningful

~Odin~

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

"If we want an inhabitable world, we all have to make changes in how we live, and how we treat each other."

Yep, and each small step we take as individuals will add up, especially if we keep hammering away relentlessly. We all play to different strengths and I think that's vital.

[-] -1 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

I got a great little hike tent (moonshadow by Eureka) for five dollars. Just needed the seams resealing, which cost five dollars for a tube of silicone, and about two or three hours of my time.

My Meindl goretex-lined hiking boots were five bucks also, but the soles came unstuck, and I used sikaflex in three applications to fix the soles back on, so that cost me fifteen bucks. That glue will never let go. Boots fit like a second skin. Still, got a 200 dollar pair of european hike boots for twenty, plus an hour of work.

I made a spirit stove from a couple of empty beer cans, and they work great, but I bowed to peer pressure and bought a Jetboil stove/cup/cosy cooker. Gotta weigh up the pros and cons, I guess. When you walk all day, the last thing you want to do is piss around with a spirit stove.

I scored an excellent self-inflating thermarest mat for a buck, no leaks, and my down sleeping bag I've had for thirty years, and it's still going strong.

We really don't have to go retail. Like the song says, we just need a little patience.

[-] -1 points by frovikleka (2563) from Island Heights, NJ 10 years ago

That's cool Builder. All my kids and i shop at thrift shops, and yard sales

I got a canvas 7'x7' Eureka tent almost 40 years ago, and we probably used it for 30 years. I'm not sure if it is still going, but it was the best tent because it never leaked

The boardwalk in our little town got ripped apart by Sandy, so after checking with the town first, I am going to take some of the boards that are not perfect, but still good to enlarge an older friends garden for her

I'm getting up early tomorrow so i am going to sign off, Good Night

~Odin~

[-] -1 points by greysone (-264) 10 years ago

the problem is any country that is not a constitutional republic.

[-] 6 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

What a cop out. Though personally, 'constitutional republics' are appealing, we haven't even collectively decided that in a 'People's Society' our world needs constitutional republics. Even if we did decide that that's the problem, it would take...like...uhhh...oh, I don't know...maybe...a couple a weeks or somethin' to fix it. Duh!!! :-/

In the meantime there is much that can be done on an individual level right now - not years from now, to take steps towards putting this world's slave-masters out of business. With the knowledge available to us now, to not do so, is quite simply, shirking personal responsibility.

Do you use a mobile phone? Hope its a Nokia...anything else is soaked in the blood of our world's poor...

http://www.alternet.org/corporate-accountability-and-workplace/can-i-buy-smartphone-thats-not-soaked-blood-worlds-poor

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

It's not the "I'm with Lincoln" video that you're supposed to be looking at, dumb ass. It's the interactive behind the video. Take your little cursor, click the square in the upper right hand corner of the video to close it, try the interactive, then come back and post.

[-] -2 points by greysone (-264) 10 years ago

YOU have employees. that you pay for work that they do for you and your company. if you really think you own slaves, set them free, ( fire them) .

[Removed]

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Thanks ZD. It is indeed an eye-opener.

[-] 4 points by Middleaged (5140) 11 years ago

US Army Human Slavery? http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/06/06/110606fa_fact_stillman

More than seventy thousand “third-country nationals” work for the American military in war zones; many report being held in conditions resembling indentured servitude by subcontractors who operate outside the law. Photographs by Peter Van Agtmael

The Invisible Army - For foreign workers on U.S. bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, war can be hell. by Sarah Stillman June 6, 2011

where he slept on soiled mattresses with twenty-five other migrants from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Many learned that they were to earn as little as two hundred and seventy-five dollars a month as cooks and servers for U.S. soldiers—a fraction of what they’d been promised, and a tiny sliver of what U.S. taxpayers are billed for their labor.

That night, the women contemplated running away. But a number of them had taken out loans to cover their recruiting fees, and Meridian had reportedly threatened some with more than a thousand dollars in early-termination fines if they left.

A couple of nights later, a few of the women slipped out to a pay phone to call their families. “You take a big breath, honey,” Vinnie told her husband, holding back tears. “I’m not working here in Dubai. A bus is going to take us to the airport, and we’re going to go straight to Iraq.” After Kie Puafomau, another of the Fijians, reached her husband, he went to the Fijian police, the Ministry of Labor, and the national press. The Fiji Times ran a story exposing Meridian Services Agency’s recruiting fraud. But, even as the police pledged to investigate, they could do little to help the beauticians some nine thousand miles away.

The next morning, Vinnie, Lydia, and the other women flew to Iraq....

Read more: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/06/06/110606fa_fact_stillman#ixzz2O9yIgKtH

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Excellent link Middleaged. I read the first page and will read the other seven tomorrow (was just about to log off). It sounds just like the "bait and switch" tactic Global Horizons used to lure guest-workers from Thailand here to work on farms. And if you missed it, Haliburton and a company called Dyncorp are involved in it as well:

http://cobbnewsandtech.blogspot.com/2012/11/dyncorp-gets-728-million-contract.html

Thanks for this excellent addition to my post, MA. Much appreciated.

[-] 3 points by Middleaged (5140) 11 years ago

Thanx, i will have to review later too.

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 11 years ago

Stellar post 'gnomunny' !! Truly. I like the global nature of your post. I'm just on my way out...but later I'm going to take a look at all the links below and comment further. Kudos to you.

[-] 3 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Just reading some posts... You know some lessons I can only get from women. I don't know why although I have researched it like 15 years ago. Men have certain lessons for younger men. Younger men listen to certain lessons from older me. But the world is a big place with lots of worldly men....

Anyway I found a couple of links that are not appropriate in the contest of sex slavery. But maybe more in context with community, home building, nesting, appropriate treatment of women, and appropriate respect for women.... I'm just surprised that the links have more to do with Theater than etiquette.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foil_(literature)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingenue_(stock_character)

Typically, the ingenue is beautiful, gentle, sweet, virginal, and often naïve, in mental or emotional danger, or even physical danger, usually a target of The Cad; whom she may have mistaken for The Hero. Due to lack of independence, the ingenue usually lives with her father or a father figure (although in some rare cases she lives with a mother figure). The vamp (femme fatale) is often a foil for the ingenue (or the damsel in distress).

But.... I might be the only one that gets this or ... knows what I am talking about. The world is judgemental as this is the easiest lesson to protect our children or young. But there are young men that get rebuffed as they are read as Cads. There is a clear lesson though ... young men can turn up the game, act more courteous, present themselves better to women and families in the community, try to do some good deads, perform some community service,... and think how they will lose opportunity if they don't act in the highest kind of politeness or example .... if they want to win the girl or the best jobs.

I think I may have messed this up. Perhaps I thought I was a hero, when I might have been seen as a Cad. Perhaps a story here.... someday for print or the big screen.

You understand: There is a lot of suspicion on men, men maybe less than courteous, men may not understand that women are being trafficked, women are taught to be distant and defensive around strange men, society loses in the separation between boys & girls, men & women, and all of the strong judgments,...

But it doesn't offset the violence and mayhem directed at women, and doesn't add up to anything in the face of ... international and sanctioned Sex Trafficking, or human trafficking.

[-] 5 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

That is a story, "someday for print or the big screen" that no doubt, will be interesting, Ma...and beautiful. I just love your mind.

But you're right, Ma. These 'Cad' and 'damsel' personas have been etched in the human psyche for a millenia, and still portrayed (perhaps dubiously), in pop culture today. The generality is unfair to both men and women of course, but perhaps more to men. Especially 'thinking' men, which I'm finding recently, that there are far more of than I previously understood.

One could argue that parents should teach their little boys to treat girls/women with respect...but the fact is, there are many flawed and abused parents that lack healthy parenting skills and invariably pass on bad relationship information and cycles of abuse. Parents should do what good they can of course, but we need to get to children while they are quite young, and so it stands to reason that we would use the 'people's' education system. It seems to me that humanity needs a total reboot. A bottom up shift in our universal ethos. A people who are empathically aware, do not behave in such a way that would allow their beloved fellow human beings to become slaves.

I would love to see a 'love centered' curriculum introduced in our schools. One that nourishes better relationships between boys and girls, and indeed relationships to their/our fellow human beings. Teachings that are much more aligned with the higher consciousness that we have become capable of today. It should introduce language which becomes rooted. That language and those actions would then become a natural and healthy way of life.

In schools today, young children are taught 'tolerance' and 'anti-bullying'. Sure, that's good, but it doesn't go far enough. Young children should be taught "more in context with community, home building, nesting, appropriate treatment of, and respect for women". And more panoptically, how to take care of ourselves and each other, and embracing not only the differences, but more importantly the similarities of boys and girls. I think this 'humanity' course should be a good chunk of the curriculum for young kids in grade school, to set a lifetime tone of dignity and respect for a more love-centered society. If we're going to create a new 'from the ground up' world, we need to educate our young towards a more empathic, loving society.

[-] 2 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Sorry just lost my whole post. Thanks for the reply. You certainly are looking at the big picture here. Lots of ideas. Seems like we are only now looking to feminine aspects, embracing feminine Traits and valuing the "whole of female teachings" in our society.

Clearly India is not there yet. And many other countries are male dominated.

[-] 5 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

"Embracing Feminine Traits and valuing the "whole of female teachings" in our society", would be a universal shift in consciousness that would benefit all the world's men, women and children. That being said, many of the children literally handed over to modern day slavery, are done so by mothers. Imagine how desperate a woman's situation must be, that she could hand over her own children. It is a failure of the human condition on so many levels.

I agree, 'Ma'...I know we have a long way to go. The male dominated world is perhaps a large part of the problem. Although I agree that more love-centered traits would benefit humanity exponentially, I hesitate to say that what we need is 'female only' leadership. Only because, when I think of people like Thatcher, Hillary and Angela Merkel...I get the jeebies so bad it induces shudders. I think the 'lust for power' does not discriminate between male and female. Then, of course, there are men like Chavez who rise to the top and manage to love and care for their people. The number of men in this world who are peaceful, thoughtful, nurturing and loving...are many.

Though clearly there are differences between men and women, I think that the 'divides' between them are 'encouraged' by TPTB instead of nurtured and embraced. As we get older and the young angst disappears, and the onslaught of media can be put in perspective...and we just start talking, I'm finding that men and women have far more in common psychologically than the corporate media would have us believe. We all want the same basic things in life. To love...and be loved, respect, dignity, peacefulness, safety, freedom, etc.

Society should be much more centered around a love-based language that we should be using to better embrace the many commonalities and unite with each other. I see descriptive vocabulary disappearing. Devolving, if you can imagine that! With all the verbal gadgets today, one would think it would help vocabulary, not hinder it. I would very much like to see the language taught to our young...especially boys, lift to a higher consciousness and acceptance than the archaic teachings currently encouraged in our broken society today. I think boys would love being able to express more, because I see their natural feelings being suppressed regularly, and something kind of dies inside them.

Modern day slavery would disappear if we all knew, loved and understood our fellow human beings. It is reasonable to think that a person who sincerely cares about another person, would not allow them to be abused and exploited.

[-] 3 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Let me reply here. You asked about globalism below and I have some more ideas coming up.

Today, we have corporate parents and corporate kids.

The women and men that are adults have agreed to become industrial workers or corporate workers within the frame work of working 7 AM - 5 Pm or whatever hours, ... they agree to work for wages and benefit for the organization in return for wages basically, ... they focus on a career track if they are thinking about their future ... they want to get education, take some classes, get experience that will take them ... away from the family ... but toward some kind of fulfillment or calling or purpose.

Women get special mention here. Grandma's Generation could not really chose to work or have a career. Mom choses a career to get some sense of accomplishment (spiritual fulfillment), to feel some purpose, to get thanks or kudos or appreciation. But sometimes home life is unfulfilling when the "Value of Society" is for Work, working, and for accomplishments outside of the home. Plus the home life is limiting with so much other information and activity going on outside of the home. We are a very productive country and the value seems placed on many accomplishments including understanding work and career and productivity.

But that is not all.

Kids are indoctrinated into the requirement that they will work. They must make money and should seek benefits only provided by jobs. They are taught linear thinking. Time waits for no one. Every minute counts. We have deadlines. Start early and try to finish to move forward to the next task.

Globalism is a play on all this "Asian sort of Duty or Confucianism". The main of Asian countries stress the value of work, earning money, success in earning, success in being a part of an organization, respect for older experts and teachers, and ... stress the value of learning, school, university, and being the top of the class.

The USA is about Competition and Production. But it doesn't matter if you succeed through hard work & education or if you succeed through ... Networking and Crony contacts.

This fits well with Asia in my opinion. The USA & Asian Workers are a match made in heaven. That is why we love the Math, Science, Technology VISAs for Asian Immigrants. But this is "Tax Leakage", "Employment Leakage", Payroll Tax Leakage, Wage Suppression, probably suppression of pension programs as older employees are laid off, and it undercuts US Workers.

Asians seem disciplined to a fault. They study very hard. Their parents pay for tutors at great expense. it is an impressive story.

But there is the Slavery Side to Globalism. Congress is Corrupt. Big business has the system fixed. They have their guys in all the key slots in government, regulatory positions, court positions, media positions, and banking positions. No one wants to Investigate the slavery, child labor, low wages, worker conditions, suicides, slave conditions, and ...total lack of options for employees to escape or move up from jobs. Globally it is near impossible to escape a job with low wages. you don't have the money or seed money to move on.

Globalism in Central or South America is all about control by the people that control production. There are two classes in Latin America. The wage gap is very hard to overcome.

true history probably shows the consistent problem with moving from one class to another class. Maybe this is the oldest story.

Those that produce must have the information and resources to produce. Control is part of the package. Control the Info. Authority and management also rule or keep control through holding the info back.

Back to kids & Education... How can kids be secure if no one teaches them how to be producers or managers or how to succeed in life. Well they want you to pay them a big fee to get your college education ... maybe you will make it. Maybe you won't make it.

But either way... they control domestic opportunity and they control global competition and global opportunity.

[-] 3 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Yes, Culture is revealed through language and few people realize this since they have not studied another language ... or maybe just haven't had good history or social studies. You understand this pretty well.

Corporations, Governments & Militaries seem Male oriented.

Socialism, Education, and Nurturing seem Female oriented.

We all have both male & Females sides as I have been taught. But we can and do get imbalanced. The USA is imbalanced in this way.

The USA is the most Productive country in the world, we have very long work hours & have snort times with our families. This is the Male side. Work is valued by the Male... especially when we are looking at work outside the home... work for money ... work for a company ... work for a male dominated organization.

In our culture we have been trained for the work place ... all of us go to public school to learn work behaviors ... not really to learn so much history or culture.

In an odd way the US Education system teaches us, both women & men, to enter the workplace like communists as equals. Almost like Ms. Charlotte Iserbyt said under Ronald Reagan the Federal Education program was set up to dumb us all down to be workers.

http://www.newswithviews.com/iserbyt/iserbyt111.htm

Anyway we are now prepared to be low paid workers without savings and without retirement.... And everyone controls the information about what is happening to us. Well, except for maybe 10 politicians.

Language is at the heart of our culture ... we need more words for different kinds of caring for people.

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Wonderfully 'aware' observations, Ma.

Charlotte Iserbyt is one of my favourite whistleblowers, whose work I was introduced to about two years ago. Her credentials make it difficult for someone to be skeptical. Which I am not. She has spent most of her life fighting for freedom of thought, exposing the truth of history, and education of course.

You're discerning summary is further evidence that society is in a state of backwards priorities. That we are devolving instead of evolving. It is up to us...the enlightened, to teach the un-awakened. I have to say, Ma, that you are, indeed a teacher.

Your last sentence bears repeating... "Language is at the heart of our culture ... we need more words for different kinds of caring for people."

Wow!! You are so very right, Ma. We need an extensive and fulfilling vocabulary to teach our young about empathy. I sense that the art of language is dying, and wonder who, if anyone, works on expanding the dexterity of verbally expressing our love for our fellow human beings.

[-] 4 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Perhaps the true visionaries were the Counter Culture Protesters of the 1960s... the protesters of the Vietnam War. Make Love Not War! I remember something about flowers instead of guns... or flowers in the barrel of guns (or maybe that was a cartoon).

But thanks for the compliment. That is all I can hope to be.

I've seen a couple of things, videos of Charlotte. The first was an old looking interview of her just sitting in a chair at home I guess. She does come across well. She seems like the salt of the earth kind of person. The message is sort of horrible though. Maybe ... I have a hard time really believing the world we live in. Maybe being alone in hearing her message ...it is hard to really think how devious people can be .... to deceive us and lead us to be controlled and dumb ... an lead us away from freedom & the American Dream.

And we hear about the Rockefellers and the Foundations created to plan 50-80 years for this dumbing down and control. I also heard Kissinger was from a Rockefeller Farm Unit. They apparently are behind Cargil, Monsanto, Chemicals, and the Agriculture Business.

I'd say much Philosophy comes from other languages. So we can take words for Love, Caring, Service to others, community, respect for man, respect for humanity ... from other languages.

I recently learned there is a Spanish word in Central and South America for "Face" ... much like the Asian concept. A gringo can embarrass himself and the Spanish speaker may get a blank look and walk away ... sort of to not embarrass you. They may be a friend and may become a better friend ... but there are social customs.

American, the USA has lost a lot of Face around the World. Apparently all of leaders care about is Force, Power, and Money.

But we have good US teachers and Professionals that work with NGOs and Charities around the world. We can learn the languages of others ... and build a culture of caring & mutual respect. ... maybe that would be a good aspect of Globalism. Picture US People learning other cultures, histories, and philosophies..... And we are already a melting pot. We already have some migrants and people that know about the world. Our Global Community right here.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Yes, Make Love, Not War!!

Sounds like the Spanish have a higher consciousness than Americans, who are more confrontational. Which would make sense, given that the Spanish are an older society, steeped in tradition. Although, the spirit of the the people in Spain as of late show they know when it is proper to stand up and resist. We could learn something from them on both fronts.

Yes, the oligarch collectivism for purposes of control is thankfully seeing the light of day. There's no question these mega corporations and foundations need to be broken up. A couple of years ago, was a different story. It was difficult to relay that information to regular folks. But even the MSM is talking about that now.

And you're not alone in hearing her message, 'Ma'. Many people have listened to Charlotte Iserbyt, though they would never admit it, for fear of being branded. But secretly listening, they are. Thank goodness!

Though hard to concede, its not hard to see how how 'they' manage to keep the masses 'hypnotized' as it were.

That guy, 'PSY' whatever the hell his name is...you know, the 'Gangnum Style' puke, released a new song (and I use that term very loosely), a few days ago...and do you know how many youtube hits he got in 24 hours? 80,000,000 !! And we wonder how it is that our youth is getting 'dumbed down?! Parents need to do a much better job in guiding their children to more culture, history, art, science, literature, etc. ANYTHING is better than that garbage.

I love your last paragraph, 'Ma'...

"But we have good US teachers and Professionals that work with NGOs and Charities around the world. We can learn the languages of others ... and build a culture of caring & mutual respect. ... maybe that would be a good aspect of Globalism. Picture US People learning other cultures, histories, and philosophies..... And we are already a melting pot. We already have some migrants and people that know about the world. Our Global Community right here."

'Globalism' is such a broad term, as of yet. Not fully understood. Scary to some, including me. I suppose 'globalism' could be a wonderful thing if controlled by 'we the people' in a 'People's Society'. But left in the hands of the .01%, I see only devastation where things like 'modern day slavery' would thrive...and that is unacceptable to me...indeed to all our loving fellow human beings.

If you've expressed your thoughts on globalism in your extensive written work, 'Ma' , then I do apologize, as I've not seen it, but what are your thoughts on globalization?

[-] 1 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

What has been the results of past trade agreements and economic free zones in the USA? What can we Expect from TPP?

a) Low prices at Walmart

b) Access to cheap Labor & Resources overseas

c) New & deeper relationships overseas in many countries

d) Access for US Capital in many countries in many investments

e) Loss of Payroll taxes

f) Loss of Corporate taxes

g) Loss of Employee Income taxes

h) Loss of Wages & Benefits in the USA

i) Poorer placement of US in GINI Coefficient

j) Higher pay outs of US Social Safety Net (Risk to Trusts)

k) Higher US Federal Debt & Probably State Debt

l) Higher Consumer Debt

m) Low or zero return on government corporate tax loopholes, tax abatements, & corporate subsidies

n) Weaker government position across all levels of government in negotiating with corporations for presence in the USA or States or in attracting new US Investments

So all our Presidents and all of Congress say 4/10 isn't bad?

This passes for Wit and Intelligence in Washington DC and US Creditors?

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Good comment. What we need is to find balance - healthy balance - Male/Female Young/Old Hard/Soft Giving/Taking etc

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

You captured the essence of that, beautifully DKA. Thank you.

With billions of people worldwide, wanting...nay, longing for what you describe...how is it possible, that there is so little of it? How did it get so derailed?

Nevermind...we know how, don't we? ~.^

If one could be imprisoned for their thoughts...I'd be in jail. 'Cause I dream of doing horrendous, reprehensible things to the .01%.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

If one could be imprisoned for their thoughts...I'd be in jail. 'Cause I dream of doing horrendous, reprehensible things to the .01%.

I hear ya. The actions of the "filthy" Greedy - invite ( incite ) violence.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Thanks Renneye. Be sure to click on the blue links in the OP as well. Sometimes they're hard to see on my screen (dark blue) but there are a number of them, especially in the third from last paragraph.

[-] 6 points by Renneye (3874) 11 years ago

Very rich in content 'gnomunny'. I'll say it again, superior thread.

This is a thread I'll come back to daily for a while to check out more links. I know one thing...I'll never look at another cup of hot cocoa quite the same again.

Overwhelmingly sad though it is, this is a global problem, well known by, and large portions controlled by the transnational corporate interests. Sickening.

This is a problem that reaches far beyond US borders, and this is the way we have to think if we are ever going to take care of ourselves and our fellow human beings. Globally. None of this happened by accident. Corporations and governments know exactly what they're doing. They don't care about humans. We are no more to them than a bar code . They don't care that people...little girls and boys somewhere in Indonesia are being chained to sewing machines or to mattresses in a dank room, their little bodies being used as human sewers.

We human beings, MUST look after each other. What do we do, gnomunny? Where do we start?

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Great comment. Researching this was an eye-opener to be sure. You could spend a few days at least just checking out the various links, and links within links (I spent many nights) and, as I said to Shule, this post barely scratches the surface. I left a whole lot out that I wanted to touch on. I barely speak of the sex-trade here since that's the one most people are familiar with. I wanted to touch on the lesser-known aspects of it. And it's literally everywhere you look.

And the TNCs are definitely a huge part of the problem and they can feign ignorance all they want, but you and I know better. By and large, they're very well aware of what's going on. It's the classic 'turn a blind eye.'

What can be done? Good question. As one of the article states, especially in regards to child workers, most countries have laws in place, the problem is enforcement. One answer, which touches on a lot of what we talk about here, is to deglobalize, although that would only put a dent in it and affect the US mostly, while the problems in the rest of the world continue. Awareness is another. For example, the link "Can I buy a smartphone that's not soaked in the blood of the world's poor" comments that Nokia is leading the way, and Apple is one of the biggest offenders in regards to resisting efforts to "do the right thing."

And of course lobbyists have their fingers in thwarting efforts for phone manufacturers to clean up their act, including, not surprisingly, that evil entity The US Chamber of Commerce, one of the biggest and worse lobbies in America.

[-] 6 points by Renneye (3874) 11 years ago

An intrinsic point here is the lack of 'corporate responsibility'. Though it seems like every large corporation wants to 'sell' us the idea that responsibility is high on their agenda, the fallout of society would indicate that its just P.R. meant for the masses to gobble up, and not feel guilty when they walk into the next big-box store.

The current human condition shows the exact opposite of what the corporate mission statements would have us believe. So clearly, they have no intent on practicing 'corporate responsibility'. Indeed, the lobbyists and lawmakers have been and continue to push for deregulation wherever possible, thereby virtually guaranteeing exploitation of the indentured people of our world. The entities that are in place to supposedly push for corporate responsibility would seem to be smoke and mirrors. So, who does that leave? It leaves us...the people.

WE are going to have to be the ones who look out for our fellow human beings and make modern day slavery extinct. How we do this is the question, given the magnitude of the problem. Awareness is key, but we need action as well. Though there are many branches on the tree of slavery, it would be a much smaller problem if the market for certain products wasn't there. Money. We need to put them out of business.

As individuals we need to make sure we are not purchasing the products that engender slavery. Difficult? Yes. I wonder if there are public services that list businesses/corporations, both local and global, that have been vetted for their genuine practices of not contributing to modern day slavery? There must be people who see a need for, and provide this service.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

What's promising is the number of organizations that are appearing around the globe to confront the problem. And a lot of press generated as well. The Guardian link above has well over a hundred articles about slavery alone, some historical, but also quite a few on the present situation. And this link is an excellent starting point, I think, for anyone interested in the products being produced by slaves and child workers. I highly recommend giving it a thorough read, although, admittedly, I have barely scratched the surface:

http://fightslaverynow.org/why-fight-there-are-27-million-reasons/labortrafficking/products-of-slave-labor/

There is quite an extensive list of products produced in this trade. Boycotts of some of the companies involved would be an obvious first step.

[-] 6 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

EXCELLENT link gnomunny! Gees, you weren't kidding...that IS a great starting point. Earlier I was getting kind of despondent about how we will tackle this enormous issue of modern day slavery. It is beyond heartening to see that there are people already hard at work, not only exposing the problem, but organizing specific solutions that will curtail modern day slavery, and lists those solutions for anyone dedicated to empathy for, and respecting the rights of their fellow human beings. There's a l-o-n-g way to go, but this does provide hope indeed....

From the article;

~ "You’ve now been slapped in the face with slavery over a dozen times before you even leave your driveway! Coffee, sugar, rice, and cotton are commodities that, depending on their place of origin, may likely have been produced with slave labor or child labor. Luxury items like chocolate, saffron, and gold are frequently tainted by slavery. Much seafood, especially shrimp, is harvested by children under abusive conditions beyond belief. Cell phones and computers depend on a rare metal called tantalum extracted from the ore coltan, which is mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo using slave labor. Gold is dug in deep pits by children scratching the earth with crude tools. Even your festive balloons may have been produced by child slaves laboring intensively in chemically hazardous environments for hardly enough to live. As you close that car door, would you ever suspect that the rubber in its tires was tapped by slave laborers in Liberia, or that the steel may derive from pig iron mined by slaves deep in the Amazon jungle where they are watched over by taskmasters with guns?

It is incredible. What can a person possibly do to insulate themselves? How can we at least not contribute to this part of the global economy? A partial answer lies in becoming informed about these products and others like them. You can exert some influence on the market by using the power of the purse and striving to shop ethically. As an informed consumer you will be able to exert your influence in a number of ways" ~

Some links that list items we should stay away from to avoid exploiting our fellow human beings...

http://vision.ucsd.edu/~kbranson/stopchocolateslavery/goodchocolateproducts.html

http://www.laborrights.org/stop-child-labor/resources/10640

http://www.fairtradeusa.org/content/certification/licensees.php?category=Cocoa&include=Everyone&sort=name

Pages 13 - 20 http://files.meetup.com/1337582/2009TVPRA%20Slave%20Products.pdf

There are many more, but this is a start. It really is up to us to know this information and shop responsibly.

Thanks again gnomunny, for the integrity of taking care of your fellow human beings.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I was just checking out the 'Fight Slavery Now' link and came across some more disturbing information you may be interested in. Organ theft was often considered an 'urban legend' but apparently, in foreign countries at least, that's not the case:

http://fightslaverynow.org/why-fight-there-are-27-million-reasons/otherformsoftrafficking/organ-removal/

And what's far more disturbing, and something else near and dear to your heart, is when children are involved. From the link:

"Ritual killings are very different from other enterprises. People who are killed for religious or ritualistic practices fall into this category. “Muti” (magical medicines used in some parts of Africa) involves the removal of body parts including skulls, hearts, eyes and genitals which are sold and used by deviant practitioners to increase wealth, influence, health or fertility. Muti killings, more correctly known as medicine murder are not human sacrifice in a religious sense, but rather involve the murder of someone in order to excise body parts for incorporation as ingredients into medicine and concoctions used in witchcraft. in 2010 Muti killings are on the rise in South Africa. Some South Africans . . . believe that the harvested body parts of children or old people will assist in them becoming rich and powerful. Most often victims are kidnapped before they are killed, and for that reason this form of murder may constitute human trafficking.

According to Christine Beddoe, director of the anti-trafficking charity Ecpat UK, a cultural belief in the power of human blood in so-called juju rituals is playing a part in the demand for African children. Testimonies from many of these children have revealed that once they arrive in Britain, they are exposed to violent and degrading treatments, often involving the forced extraction of their blood to be used for clients demanding blood rituals. According to a US State Department report, Uganda has become one of the main source countries for children to be bought and smuggled abroad. Some 9,000 children have gone missing in that country over the past four years.”

You've occasionally talk of the existence of elite global pedophile rings. One has to wonder how deep and dark it really goes.

[-] 6 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Utterly, utterly devastating.

Humanity, for the greater part, is bestowed with wonderful people...innately endowed with love, respect, integrity and peacefulness. Still, it does not stop the corporate globalists from imposing their onslaught of media from every angle, aimed at creating an apathetic world. To some degree the oligarchs are succeeding.

Our malleable youth, for some time now, have been so insidiously subverted, that collectively they are at a disadvantage for a healthy foundation of love-based teachings. There is a seemingly endless barrage of tv shows and youtube videos geared at nothing more than indoctrinating our youth to literally 'laugh' at other people's pain and misfortune. Computer games reward players for inflicting the most possible violence and theft against other players, with complete callousness.

Apathy has been woven into North American (pop)culture. Encouraged. In my view, by design. It makes it easier for 'the powers that be' to globally execute their genocides, gun smuggling, drug running, human trafficking, sex trade, etc., when the main populace is thinking only of themselves.

Given what you've so painstakingly described above 'gm', and the information in this link I append, how could it possibly be, that people in high places aren't involved?

I must warn you, the video herein, is very difficult to watch;

Global Pedophile Ring - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAbK9F7SzM8&lr=1&feature=mhee

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

That is a disturbing video. But at the same time, it's hard to turn off. I planned on watching five minutes and saving the rest. Five turned into ten. I'm close to fifteen now, and they just piqued my interest even more where they mention a Count Maurice Lippens and his ties to the "B" Group. I'll comment more after watching the rest and giving my mind time to absorb it all.

And Marcel Vervioesem is an unsung hero in my book.

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

It gets better and better. Keep watching.

There are so many people trying to save these kids and catch these derelicts. They are working against powerful forces keeping the information out of the media. These heros don't get many accolades working under those conditions. They are selfless and tireless, with wills of steel.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I'm going to try and watch the whole thing tonight in between messaging on the forum. It looks like it's just getting going at the fifteen minute mark. The subtitles kind of suck, but it's worth it.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Hahahah! I'm originally from Europe, so I'm very used to subtitles.

I'll probably catch hell for this but...you poor, poor North Americans.

[-] 0 points by Builder (4202) 10 years ago

Norte Americanos?

They love the attention.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Ha! I think they're in for one heck of a shock! Indeed, probably most people are.

You're right Builder...I should not have included Mexico...they do perfectly well with subtitles.

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Hey, now!

Some of them flash by too quick, you know? Not too often, tho. It's all in the editing, my dear. Thank God for 'pause' buttons. ;-)

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Heheheh...sorry 'gm'. It was very late, and I was in a 'fine' mood! Its a good thing you can take a good ribbing. ~.^

Its been days, and I'm still going through your excellent 'life altering' links.

Pretty somber video though, huh? What did you think?

Here it is again, in case anyone else should be so inclined;

Global Pedophile Ring - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAbK9F7SzM8&lr=1&feature=mhee (it gets better and better as it goes along)

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

"Heheheh...sorry 'gm'. It was very late, and I was in a 'fine' mood! Its a good thing you can take a good ribbing."

Much of what you say in the above comment rings true. "Apathy encouraged by design." Yes, I would have to agree with that statement, I think.

And what an eye-opening documentary. It certainly suggests that the 'upper class' are involved and that it is a worldwide occurrence, if not a full-blown criminal organization. I tend to lean toward the latter, given the circumstances surrounding the case with that Zandvoort CD.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Given that the United Nations has had a treaty since 1945 by acting to ban debt bondage, serfdom, servile marriage and child servitude, followed by the UN 1956 Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery...it sure has done a piss poor job of anything even remotely befitting that description.

The UN isn't to be trusted any more. That institution has lost all credibility.

With the power the UN has available to it...if it hasn't been able to curb Modern Day Slavery in ALL THESE YEARS, indeed watched on as slavery has grown...then clearly it has no ability to stop it... or, has/had no intention of stopping it. The mind truly boggles, doesn't it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_1956_Supplementary_Convention_on_the_Abolition_of_Slavery

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Thanks for the link, Renneye. It's true, the United Nations has lost much of its credibility. Although I'm no fan of 'polls' in general, I did find this Gallup poll interesting, although it's a bit dated (May 2011):

http://www.gallup.com/poll/147854/gets-approval-disapproval-worldwide.aspx

Interestingly, a huge majority of the countries with high approval are third-world nations, the very nations affected by the subject of this post. And the countries with the lowest approval ratings are in the Middle East and North Africa, along with the United States.

And here's a Pew Research poll from 2012 covering 21 countries. What I find interesting is the increase in approval ratings for the US and UK:

http://www.statista.com/statistics/233056/favorability-of-the-un-by-country/

And as to the UN's desire to curb slavery, I would guess we're on the same page about that. Given that the US is complicit in empowering the slave trade rather than abolishing it (see MA's 'New Yorker' and the OP's 'Haliburton and Dyncorps' links), it's no stretch that the UN is just as complicit and possibly for similar reasons:

http://msmagazine.com/blog/2011/08/16/blowing-the-whistle-on-peacekeeping-sex-traffickers/

http://dissidentvoice.org/2010/10/un-peacekeepers-complicit-in-sex-trade/

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

I'm kinda speechless 'gm'. Thanks for these incredible links. The world we live in presently, is just...surreal.

The third link is very revealing, and I have the utmost of respect for 'Kathy Bolkovac' and her work in uncovering the UN's ugly truths. Brave & heroic woman indeed.

The last link is exceptional. I don't know how you find all these links from all the different sources...but dissidentvoice.org is now easily my favourite 'social justice' website.

http://dissidentvoice.org/2010/10/un-peacekeepers-complicit-in-sex-trade/

The article is so full of info that its difficult to pick an excerpt, but here goes...

~ "Organized Sex Transactions in Peacekeeping Economies

Sexual exploitation is wide-ranging, including slavery and prostitution, what the UN calls “transactional sex,” peacekeepers very much involved. In countries like Bosnia and Kosovo, “domestic sex work and sex trafficking have become a seemingly permanent part of the” economy. Their peacekeeping missions affect both supply and demand, “effectively creating avenues (for) trafficking of women for sexual exploitation into/through these areas.”

Local women often can’t satisfy the demand so foreign ones from poor nations are imported to supplement. Bosnia and Kosovo “are consistent with other (countries where) the development and evolution of sex trafficking is a component of the overall expansion of the sex industry, which in turn is driven by militarism.”

Organized crime also gets involved. The prevalence of rape and sex slavery increases. Women and young girls are brutally exploited, and “documented cases of UN soldiers (show) that, far from helping the victims,” they become clients or otherwise implicated in the trade." ~

Here's another you may like...

“UN Peacekeeping Paramilitarism”

http://sjlendman.blogspot.ca/2007/02/un-peacekeeping-paramilitarism.html

I'll just say that, the United Nations is beyond despicable.

.

[-] 2 points by RobertHod (1) 10 years ago

Ms. Renneye, that is quite a good piece you've made about our inhumanity to ourselves. And your recommendations are good. We need become informed about the products we use, and YES, organize as consumers using only the best of what technology offers. Mostly knowing the difference, be informed.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Everyone in this world has a right to shine...to be free from exploitation.

Emmylou Harris ~ Let Us Pause In Life's Pleasures - live http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UGkS-GsJwg

A Better Place ~ Playing For Change - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVHOqrw3Jks

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

I'm glad you mentioned the sex-trade in relation to this thread on modern day slavery. It is an issue near and dear to my heart. I am considering adding some information I have amassed on that aspect of modern day slavery here a little later..maybe in a few days.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Thanks, Renneye. That would be greatly appreciated. The more links we can put on here, the better. Here's one of many that I didn't post:

http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/05/22/eden-sex-trafficking-survivors-story

And from the same source:

http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/01/11/undercover-author-visits-brothels-write-sex-trafficking-novel

And the CNN freedom project has many articles dealing with the sex-slave trade. Go to the link about slavery and chocolate for more.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Also, a couple of statistics about the sex-slavery trade: some sources claim that 80% of victims of slavery are recruited into the sex trade. And from the same source, the life expectancy of a child prostitute is seven years:

http://www.catholic.org/hf/faith/story.php?id=45587

And one more link for your viewing displeasure:

http://www.marieclaire.com/world-reports/news/diary-escaped-sex-slave

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Although these links are a very sobering and tearful read, it should be required reading for all ows members. Thank you kindly 'gm', for this very necessary information on modern day slavery.

This is one of those dark parts of humanity that we want to turn our heads away from and not see the horror perpetrated on our fellow human beings. But we MUST look this atrocity in the face. If little 'Sreypov' can go back in to save little girls after what she has been through, then we have no excuse. This problem has such a global reach...and as hard as it is to admit...we are all responsible to some degree for letting our world's children be tortured this way. Its time to wake up.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Sreypov's story is awesome. I'm humbled by the people that have endured such unbelievable circumstances and are still willing to remain in that nightmare world for the sake of saving more victims. She's one of countless unsung heroes doing her small part to make the world a better place. From the link:

"When she was 7 years old—an age when most girls are going to slumber parties—she was sold to a brothel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city, to work as a sex slave. The woman who made the sale: her mother. For years, pimps forced Sreypov to have sex with as many as 20 men a day. If she didn't meet her quota, or if she tried to run away, she was punished in unthinkable ways—burned with a hot poker, covered with biting insects. And worse."

That's mind-boggling. It's hard for me, living a comparatively peaceful Midwestern existence, to wrap my head around.

[Deleted]

[-] 3 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 11 years ago

slavers should go to prison for 80 years (and underage pimpers)

http://occupywallst.org/forum/initiative-democracy-pros-cons-can-it-work-in-time/

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Absolutely. That would be a whole lot of people going to jail. The problem is finding them. Then getting them prosecuted. Consider the case in the OP against Global Horizons. A few token convictions of a handful of underlings, but the (probably bought-off) Department of Justice dropped the charges against the CEO and another executive.

[-] 2 points by elevenT (-99) 10 years ago

In the Sudan, arab muslims own black christian slaves. Any black leaders ( Sharpton, Jackson) ever speak about this?

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I find it a bit disheartening that some of the very people that should be most vocal about this grave injustice are curiously silent, including some of the more 'vocal' members of this forum. Where's the outrage, or at least, the opinion from these 'slave descendants?'

And in relation to your comment about Sudan, I have this article dealing with the concept of Malian 'slave descendants:'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/oct/23/mali-conflict-freedom-slave-descendants-peril

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

"some of the very people that should be most vocal about this grave injustice are curiously silent, including some of the more 'vocal' members of this forum. Where's the outrage?"

Indeed, 'gm'...indeed.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I was rather surprised at the lack of response. A grand total of seven forum members responded. And, unlike some of the posts that drone on about topics that we have little control over, like the Keystone pipeline, this is something every one of us can affect immediately. This is direct action.

[-] 3 points by GirlFriday (17435) 10 years ago

I'm reading, gnomunny.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Thanks, GF.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Proposed Change to Child Labor Law Spark Concern in Maine.

Lets stay on top of the agenda that is being attempted in the gutting of Child Labour Laws. though this article is from 2011, it shows the trajectory. This is how the erosion starts isn't it?

~ "AUGUSTA — Groups representing restaurants and hotels sparred with worker advocates on Wednesday over a bill that would ease work restrictions within the state’s 20-year-old child labor law.

The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Debra Plowman, R-Hampden, and backed by Gov. Paul LePage. Both believe high school-age students should be allowed to work longer hours and more often during the school year." ~

http://stopchildlabor.org/?p=2417

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

The s**t just keeps getting deeper, doesn't it, Ren? From the link:

"Plowman said her amended bill was designed to allow students to save money for college and to work jobs with later shifts."

A crock! The bold-faced lies from these people sickens me. A teenager working a minimum wage (or lower) job can hardly afford a normal teenage lifestyle, let alone save for college. And, not surprisingly:

"Grotton said Maine’s law “penalized” employers."

It's always about the employer and not the worker, isn't it? Infuriating.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

You're right 'g'...same old same old. Its just awful listening to politicians talk. They take a completely backwards stance against something, and get all indignant and pretend, for the life of them that they can't understand why people aren't 'getting it'. I just laugh.

Our entire way of life needs an overhaul, 'g'. Why should school kids work after school? They go to school all day, go to their jobs, come home late at night and do homework for hours, to get up the next day and do it all over again. Where is the quality of life? No family life AT ALL. Its completely upside down. This is not the way 'A People's Society' should be.

Child labour perpetuates illiteracy, poverty and corruption

~ "Eradication of child labour is possible and within our reach, only if state, corporate entities and society dispose their responsibilities and respect the constitutional and universal rights of the children. States must demonstrate leadership by creating effective accountability framework, devising comprehensive and convergent policies (particularly for meaningful education) substantiated with adequate resources. Corporate sector must ensure ethically clean and child labour free value and supply chains. Finally, the society as a whole must be honest in treating all children equally, irrespective of their social and financial backgrounds." ~

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/281292/child-labour-perpetuates-illiteracy-poverty.html

As much as I see foundations working for fair "labour laws", it doesn't go far enough. I think child labour should be completely off the table. Building family bonds and education should be the priorities in those years.

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Regressing society to the bad old days of child exploitation. Just f'n wonderful. Don't have enough employment that pays a "living" wage to adults - but lets make the situation worse - Brilliant - NOT.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Yep. Next it'll be lowering the age requirement.

Their agenda is quite clear. While we are working to pull Bangladesh and our other fellow human beings out of the hell holes of exploitive suffering, the TPTB are only too happy endeavoring to make the whole world a Bangladesh.

~ "Hundreds of thousands of children are employed as farmworkers in the United States. They often work 10 or more hours a day with sharp tools, heavy machinery, and dangerous pesticides, and die at 4 times the rate of other working youth. Farmworker children drop out of school in alarming numbers." ~

http://www.hrw.org/support-care

[-] 3 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Business - working to create jobs ( sweat/slave shops ) here at home - so the USA......aAHAhahaha um sorry....... can better compete in the world market ( Make unconscionable Profits over people ) and reduce cost of shipping charged to the consumer ( further reduce overhead to stuff more into own pockets ) - um yeah.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep, not surprisingly, you got the picture. This runaway train has got to be stopped somehow. It's become a full-blown crisis.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

It's become a full-blown crisis.

So awfully frighteningly true. CRISIS

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yeah, crisis is definitely the right word for it. Not just the subject of this thread, of course, but almost ALL the things we talk about here. In a lot of respects, I'm sure we're running out of time.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

In a lot of respects, I'm sure we're running out of time.

Yes - We ( the world ) are running out of time. Things will go from bad to worse in ever shorter periods of time.

The only hope is in major change as to how things are done - as well as major change to how/what things are valued.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Exactly. And I've been seeing quite a bit of progress, or at least push-back, in a lot of different arenas lately. A lot of people worldwide are starting to slowly wake up.

And are getting fed up. Which is great. When enough of us get tired of the way things are, all hell's going to break loose. Personally, I can't wait, regardless of how things turn out.

Good thing I'm largely a pacifist, because I have a couple of ideas to hasten things along, heheheh.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

I've been seeing quite a bit of progress, or at least push-back, in a lot of different arenas lately.

Case in point:

http://occupywallst.org/forum/alecs-most-wanted/#comment-967769


Pretty awesome when you think about it.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Yes - things are heating up - and more people are speaking up. Things have gotten to the point where the average individual can no longer look away - as every where one would look - there is trouble. I am seeing new groups appear in support of change - the necessary change that is needed. The Dam is near to bursting.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

"The dam is near to bursting." Good quote. Where has 'The Rising' been lately? And this awakening, and the emergence of these new groups, is global. Which it needs to be, of course, because success is going to be in the numbers of those involved. Some of the best things happening are elsewhere and there are millions of aware individuals now, and growing.

And that IS awesome about Oklahoma. I saw that comment and article a couple nights ago. A crack in the dam.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

The Rising ? I don't know - I miss him. This I do believe will be another year of growth for all movements seeking to make a change for the better in this world. But as you pointed out - the Dam is beginning to crack - and as that instability that degrading of the structure grows - well it's bursting could still come unexpectedly ( fast ).

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Oh yeah, and TPTB will be breaking out all their tools and manpower to try to prevent the burst from happening.

For some reason images of the Johnstown, PA flood come to mind. It'll probably be comparable, metaphorically.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (4270) from St Louis, MO 0 minutes ago

Very true. A comprehensive 50 state rebuilding program could possibly employ millions. Think about how much money that would get circulating in the economy. Dumb asses.

It almost makes one think they don't want to. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

And that does not even get into the opportunities to be had in up-grading the rest of the World.

It is power madness and greed that is standing in the way - and yes that is insane - as their is a ton of money to be made in going clean.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yeah, I wasn't even considering the rest of the world, which would put many more millions to work.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (4270) from St Louis, MO 1 minute ago

Oh yeah. And up against some serious competition. Construction workers half my age still with the stamina of a fucking horse. But hey, I can still drive a truck. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

Not to worry - because if this was seriously undertaken - there would be enough work for everyone. There is an awful shitload of things to get done - and that is just starting out - then it needs to be run, maintained, improved, added onto.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Very true. A comprehensive 50 state rebuilding program could possibly employ millions. Think about how much money that would get circulating in the economy. Dumb asses.

It almost makes one think they don't want to.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (4263) from St Louis, MO 1 minute ago

Yep. If the feds would start an infrastructure rebuilding program, I'd sign up in a heartbeat. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

You would be with a vast crowd - me thinks.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Oh yeah. And up against some serious competition. Construction workers half my age still with the stamina of a fucking horse. But hey, I can still drive a truck.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (4263) from St Louis, MO 10 minutes ago

Yep - they pretty much go hand in hand, I think. Whatever progress we can make now definitely helps the people here now, and lays the foundation for those to come. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

Full time employment switching over to clean tech - power generation - Transportation - Industry. Laying out the infrastructure for a healthy World. While at the same time reducing carbon emissions - allowing the world to start the slow process of re-adjusting/balancing.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep. If the feds would start an infrastructure rebuilding program, I'd sign up in a heartbeat.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (4258) from St Louis, MO 8 hours ago

Yep. And some of us may be the unfortunate victims, but this isn't about us anyway.

It's about our children and grandchildren. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

Yes - for those who come after. But also much can be accomplished today all over the world for those who are here now. Laying the foundation for a brighter future.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep - they pretty much go hand in hand, I think. Whatever progress we can make now definitely helps the people here now, and lays the foundation for those to come.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

It will be hellacious to say the least.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep. And some of us may be the unfortunate victims, but this isn't about us anyway.

It's about our children and grandchildren.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (4276) from St Louis, MO 0 minutes ago

Yeah, I wasn't even considering the rest of the world, which would put many more millions to work. ↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

As well as in the doing - remove much of the reasons for strife/conflict over resources.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Given that its Easter, with the amount of chocolate being dispersed by the corporate Easter bunny...perhaps it is a good time to take stock of the massive modern day slavery in the chocolate industry, and make a conscious decision to not buy chocolate from the companies that are doing the least about it. Make your decisions at the cash register count for your fellow human beings who are being exploited. An all out boycott on the chocolate industry would be great of course, but here are the worst ones...

http://stopchildlabor.org/

from the article;

~ "Hershey’s commitment was only 17 percent of Mars’ (its largest competitor in the US) and Barry Callebaut’s was only 11 percent of Mars’ commitment. Hershey, the largest chocolate maker in the United States, brings in over $5 billion in revenue every year. Barry Callebaut is one of the largest suppliers of chocolate in the world. As two of the biggest chocolate companies in the world, Barry Callebaut and Hershey are just as responsible as their counterparts for the atrocious labor conditions of the cocoa sector. And yet, both have been miserly when it comes to the fight to remove children from the cocoa fields of West Africa." ~

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Just found this recently:

http://vision.ucsd.edu/~kbranson/stopchocolateslavery/main.html

There's also a link on that page to "Fair Trade USA," but clicking on their link doesn't work, but this one does:

http://www.fairtradeusa.org/

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Is your chocolate "Slave-Free"?

Thanks again 'gm'! Its so wonderful that there are people and organizations that are passionate enough about ending modern day slavery that they do the very diligent work and search out the companies that endeavor to produce products that don't contribute to the use of slave labour in their supply chains.

Pleasing to find, my local grocery store has a line of 'Fair Trade' coffee! The awareness is spreading, albeit slowly...but things are happening. I love that you put this thread on the forum.

Every one of us should be taking the personal responsibility to check lists like the one in the link to ensure they are purchasing responsibly and not unwittingly consuming products that exploit our fellow human beings.

Thanks so much 'gm'. I'm going to add this link to my list above for things that us regular folk can do on a day to day basis to end modern day slavery. ~ mbd...

http://www.fairtradeusa.org/

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Thanks kindly 'gm'. I'll take a look at your links in a while and reply a little later. mbd.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

No need to look at them. I'm just putting as many pertinent links in this post as I can. It's all about spreading the word, and this post is chock full of information in the links, thanks to you and others.

[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Well, thanks again. Its one of the most important, 'globally affecting' topics on this forum, regarding the declining human condition and current unmitigated apathy being bred into our young toward their fellow human beings...and as you know, a subject very near and dear to my heart.

But the links are pertinent, and I will look at them...its just going to be a little later. Been a long day and I'm wiped out. ~.^

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

In 2012, Americans spent $2.1 billion on Easter candy, and an additional $2 billion at Halloween. It's not all chocolate, of course, but a large portion is. And it's a safe bet a portion of the non-chocolate candy being consumed is made in less than ideal conditions as well.

An especially timely and appropriate bump, Renneye. Thanks.

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Its a curious thing. It got me wondering how our young kids today would react to knowing that the chocolate and candy they love to eat was produced at the expense/dignity of our world's poorest children who are made into modern day slaves.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

That brings up a good point. Considering the apparent ubiquitous nature of modern day slavery, educating the children may be one of the best options for reducing the problem, rather than appealing to the very entities that are profiting from it.

[-] 4 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Children have far more compassion, and far less bias, by which they make better, heart-centered decisions. Their intuition isn't dulled and prejudiced by 'well meaning' adults. If we were to tell our children that the vast majority of the chocolate in stores today comes from slave labour, but there are a couple of companies that produce chocolate that ensures their cocoa does not come from slave labour...I'd wager our kids would encourage their parents to make the responsible purchase. Kids are just like that.

I think you're right 'gm', children are our best hope. : )

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

And not just chocolate, but a whole host of children-related products. That impassioned letter from China that was found in Halloween decorations is a good example. And any toy produced in China would probably fit the bill. But the question is, how to spread this word to them? It would take more than just word of mouth, I think (considering the low response from members of this forum, for example). Guest speakers at elementary schools would be a great start. Any other suggestions?

[-] 3 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

Guest speakers at elementary schools is a wonderful idea. Human rights advocacy groups are more aware of the need than the schools themselves who have had consumerism creep in, so the ball is in the court of the human rights groups to make calls to the education boards, say during international anti-slavery days or months for instance.

But, here again I think it will be our children who make the difference. I thought of a little experiment I would suggest to my kids, who are 10 &12. They sometimes present projects at school where they pick their own subject. I'm going to encourage them to pick 'modern day slavery' for the next one...and tell them to gauge the reactions/expressions/responses of their classmates as they're going through the material. For the best effect, I'll tell them to invite their friends to consider the products they use and consume in everyday life. Chocolate, candy, mica (in makeup), the items at 'dollar stores', clothing, cell phones, etc. My two kids, love when they've 'affected' their classmates, so it won't be hard to persuade them.

I have visions of making up hand size stickers, professional or home made, with the slogan "Stop Modern Day Slavery", and sticking them on Dollar Store and other public store windows. Restaurants, libraries, etc.

Twitter is also a potentially huge tool if mass tweets were ever to be organized. That idea is courtesy of Zendog.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago
[-] 2 points by Renneye (3874) 10 years ago

There's a little boy chained in a 'slave camp' in Bangladesh, a little girl in sex slavery in Phnom Penh, a young child in New York being trafficked, who's lives you 'affected' today. Thanks DKA.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

I wish that I could directly make those lives better - free - healthy.

What I "can" do is - advocate that people stand together to fight the darkness.

Thank you for being a part of the movements for a healthy world for ALL.

[-] 2 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Vietnam Human Rights Act of 2013 - Prohibits U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to the government of Vietnam in excess of FY2012 amounts unless the President certifies to Congress that the government of Vietnam has made substantial progress respecting political, media, and religious freedoms, minority rights, access to U.S. refugee programs, and actions to end trafficking in persons and the release of political prisoners.

Authorizes the President to waive such requirements if increased U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance would promote the purposes of this Act or is otherwise in the U.S. national interest. Allows the President to waive such authority with respect to: (1) all U.S. nonhumanitarian assistance to Vietnam; or (2) one or more programs, projects, or activities of such assistance.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should take measures to overcome the jamming of Radio Free Asia by Vietnam and that the Broadcasting Board of Governors should not cut staffing, funding, or broadcast hours for the Vietnamese language services of the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, (2) U.S.-Vietnam educational and cultural exchange programs should promote freedom and democracy in Vietnam, (3) the Secretary of State should oppose Vietnam's candidacy for membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), (4) Vietnam should be designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom, and (5) Vietnam does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance.

http://beta.congress.gov//bill/113th-congress/house-bill/1897/ (15 May 2013 introduced in House of Representatives)

GM: I'm not sure what to think about this bill. The US Seems to be Violating human Rights on a ongoing basis, and we saw the drooling about the Boston Bombing Suspect is denying him due Process, ... probably some GOP people want to put the Bombing Suspect in Gauntanamo Prison as well. No Trial, no Attorney, No Due Process, No Jury.

So... maybe this House Bill is just meddling in another country. We get info and public statements that Human trafficking is going on in the USA. So maybe this bill is just a game. Washington's Games.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Washington's games, indeed. It's no secret that the US government has it's eye on parts of Southeast Asia for a number of reasons, specifically its abundance of natural resources, but equally, a desire to increase US military presence in the area to offset China's growing influence in the region.

That bill seems to be more of the "same old, same old" from Washington. Guised in humanitarianism, but the content is telling for those who read between the lines. First, the hypocrisy in meddling in another country for violations of which the US is one of the biggest offenders; ". . . respecting political, media, and religious freedoms, minority rights, . . . and actions to end trafficking in persons and the release of political prisoners."

And as always, the ability of the President to waive the requirements if by doing so "is in the US national interest."

Sounds like the laying of foundations to continue our foray into the Pacific arena.

[-] 2 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Good points. Congress and our Officials like to play hard ball, play hard to get, make the other country give us some concessions in a real negotiation... in return for our support. Give us some concessions and your statements of support, and we'll go to Congress to get $100 Million or whatever.

All those agendas before meetings, protocols, agreements before agreements, ... then a tough week or so of discussion about all the possibilities, ... then ... they play hard ball for some more concessions. What a game.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

A rigged game at that. Or at the very least, a hugely unfair one. On the world playing field, who has the skill and resources to really give the US a run for its money? Probably no one. It's akin to a bunch of high-schoolers trying to play against the Green Bay Packers.

[-] 1 points by Middleaged (5140) 10 years ago

Yes, I have to admit experience really makes a big difference. It could be if we got rid of all the old guard in congress and in department of State... we might look more like Latin America with short standing corrupt presidents.

[-] 4 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Experience and power. America has an abundance of both, for better or worse.

I definitely agree with getting rid of the "old guard." That would go a long way toward steering us back on the right track.

[-] 2 points by Shule (2638) 11 years ago

Wow, scary part is it appears the oligarchs ruling over us, through the economic policies currently being pursued, are out to make slaves of all of us.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

I was shocked as to the extent of it. And this post just scratches the surface, because I had to do a massive edit just to make it fit.

We knew the oligarchs were trying to enslave the common man, but I was surprised that so much slavery already existed in the supply chains of everyday products.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

OMG - literally know-one realizes the slavery behind today's system - wage slavery - fear of the unemployed.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

If you get some time, or are so inclined, check out some of the links, it's astounding. And I hardly even touched on the most well-known aspect, sex slavery, but was pretty shocked hearing how drug gangs here in the US are doing it. And I'm not talking huge gangs, everyday local street gangs.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Shit - everyone thinks a street gang is simple drugs and violence - how wrong they are.

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Yeah, but think about how easy it would be. I think there's a link up top that talks about it. If not, it's in one of the dozens of good articles in the 'Guardian' link. Lots of good stuff there. And check out this controversial article I came across. But considering the author, I'd have to double-check the historical record just to be sure:

http://www.wnd.com/2013/02/father-of-u-s-slavery-was-a-black-man/

[-] 2 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 11 years ago

don't laugh too loud or my computer browser shuts down

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Sorry - MY Bad.

But that was funny.

[-] 2 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 11 years ago

i'm kidding, of course, just joking.

it was probably the pop up thingy that did it, anyway.

yea it is funny. don't want to attribute quotes to 700 here, to often

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

pop-ups - the devils children..................

[Deleted]

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

700 club - aAHhahahahahahaaa - look - it's a gay teletubbie. Heehehehehe

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

"There is also some new douche with the curly hair?"

Not ringing a bell right off. I stopped paying attention to 'em. I'm sure there are a few more that we could put on the list that aren't coming to me. Lemme know if it comes to you, I'm curious.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Guy has a chin sharp enough for spear fishing.

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Damn, what a visual. There's a list of televangelists on Wikipedia. maybe his name's on it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_television_evangelists

There's also that crazy Brazilian (I think) that claims he's the direct descendant of Jesus, or he's Christ risen, something like that. He was on that Bill Maher movie Religulous. If you haven't seen it, it's great.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

I saw that - gut bustin funny .... no this guy is more full of himself then Benny.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Yep, that's a great movie. Bill nails it, in my humble opinion.

Scan down that list of televangelists, it's not very long. You have me curious.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

This Guy

This Douche

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

I looked but did not see a familiar name - maybe the links have pictures? I will have another look.

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Joel Osteen! That's funny because I was going to mention him but didn't know enough about him.

[-] -1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Televangelists - are any worth saving from being thrown under a speeding bus or train?

[-] -1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Well . . . lessee . . . .

Pat Robertson

Jim and Tammy Faye

Jerry Falwell

Joyce Meyer

Jimmy Swaggert

Nope. None worth saving. Sorry.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

Nothing to be sorry for - LOL - honest and fair - I like it.

Isn't there also a Benny?

[-] -1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 11 years ago

Yeah, Benny Hinn maybe?

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 11 years ago

That's the one - always expect to see a grill and him chopping stuff up.

There is also some new douche with the curly hair?

[-] 1 points by freewriterguy2 (3) 10 years ago

Don't forget to add the slaves that rent your homes or if you are an apartment owner all your renters there are slaves also. If you own commercial real estate and enter into lease agreements with small business who lease out sections of your buildings, they are your slaves, and this is because they never get to keep what they pay for, just like a slave.

Also if you work for a bank, banks don't put up any money for anything, they use the slaves that labor to pay them the lions share of interest up front before anything is applied to principal.

Also, if you work for the government, your slaves support you, you don't support yourself.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Personally, I think you're using far too broad a definition of 'slave.' A mutual agreement between two entities, done without coercion, such as a lease or rental agreement or a job contract, hardly fits the definition of slave.

[-] 1 points by freewriterguy2 (3) 10 years ago

it does when the alternative such as living on the street or in an underground tunnel results in continuous government persecution. Go talk to a homeless person about how they have to give what little money they make to government fines in trespassing on the earth.

Also, if a landowner has people underneath him renting "his land" if there could be such a thing, it still supports pyramidism and is a form of slavery where the people who work never get to own. Or if a landlord is so noble, lets see him make the mortgage payment without "slaves" underneath him. He cannot. These people underneath him are in effect slaves because they have to labor to pay others and they receive little but a temporary place to live on the earth. We should make it illegal for anyone to work and not own where they live. In apartments they could own an equity share that is transferrable to the next place they live.

[-] -3 points by kandy4 (-81) 10 years ago

So...Halliburton is engaged in slave trading??

Cuckoo cuckoo cuckoo