Neoliberalism Watch

[pErvinalia]

It seems that battle against neoliberalism is on in earnest! We've got Greeks voting in socialists as a clear rebuke to the destructive policies of neoliberalism. The UK is fed up with harsh austerity. We've got a state election here in Australia tomorrow where the state government has instituted pretty harsh austerity measures which have predictably seen a massive hike in unemployment and fall in economic productivity. And while they won the last election with a near full sweep of seats (they won 85 odd out of the total 90 odd seats), they are looking a distinct possibility to fall tomorrow. I suspect they will hold on, as that kind of swing is probably unprecedented in the history of elections, but the party leader, Premier Newman, is almost certain to lose his seat as a massive rebuke to his corrupt and unfair policies. This will be the first time in Australian history that a State party wins but the party leader loses. And only the second time in modern times in higher government in Australia that it will happen. The last time was Prime Minister Howard in 2007 who also oversaw a neoliberal ideological attack on fairness with his "Work Choices" industrial relations policy.

Coming up we've elections in Spain where the anti-austerity party Podemos (spelling?) are polling well and will likely receive a boost from the Greek result.

You've got billionaires in the US (and Australia) calling for more fair taxation policy. You've two influential Nobel Laureates (Krugman and Stiglitz) amongst other prominent economist pointing out the disaster that is austerity politics, and in Stiglitz's case and Krugman to a lesser degree a complete repudiation of neoliberalism.

George Monbiot, ever the optimist, thinks this might be the beginning of the end of neoliberalism. I, the ever pessimist, think the battle is far from over. But there are signs. Apparently a not insignificant number of participants in the Davos economic forum have said that they have properties and personal jets ready if they need to flee social unrest that will result from continued growing inequality. Interestingly, New Zealand was mentioned as one of the places they will flee too. Can I ask that the cunts please stay away from this part of the world? When the shit hits the fans, the Kiwis and us will be with the Scandinavians in developing the next system.

ETA: Sorry, forgot to ask: What do y'all think?

[pErvinalia]

Actually, I can see it now. Seth will argue that they are going to NZ because there is a lack of guns there for them to be shot with. Probably true, but NZ has the Maori! When you are that tough, you don't need guns!