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World Economic Forum – 2012 Davos, Switzerland

By Padmini Arhant

Warm Greetings to world leaders in politics, economics, social, environment and humanitarian organizations attending the world economic forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The global economy is frail with complexities demanding solutions in cognizance of specific and general needs for revival.

Economic meltdown could be attributed to myriad sources and identifying the root causes would enable policy restructuring to stimulate and sustain growth in the interim and beyond.

Capitalism is by far the viable economic system provided the free market functionality confined to building economy without intervention in politics.

While Capitalism governance triumphs in weakening legislations aimed at consumer protection, fair pricing for affordability as well as balanced trade practices in national and international domain.

Government regulations for this purpose are met with resistance as intrusion in private sector.

Free market economy with free pass on all economic activities without checks and balances led the economy to a near free fall in recent history.

The current economy on the precipice due to flagrant dismissal of reforms combined with institutional failures to deliver the required outcome.

Economic model promoting globalization with two monetary authorities – The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) facilitated the collapse of modern economy in the developing and developed region.

Modern economy under prudent economic i.e. fiscal, trade and monetary policy had better prospects to vitalize agricultural, service and industrialized economies through self-sustenance and international trade.

World Bank and IMF set up to gain forceful entry into economies under globalization auspice derailed progress denying independent strategies to address problems confronting individual economy.

The mandatory membership with World Bank and IMF lending enforced untenable terms and conditions on borrowers subjugating nations for unlimited access to resources including the heads of the state appointment across the globe.

World Bank and IMF debtors share similar economic woes and struggle to amortize debts in a systemic abusive deal involving collaterals directly undermining sovereignty and binding generations with liability.

From European contagion to Sub-Saharan Africa existence dilemma  – World Bank and IMF together play a major role in exacerbating financial crisis and implementing austerity measure to public detriment – bringing mainstream to main street protest.

World Bank interference in environment policy to control the governments pledged $100 billion towards carbon emission reduction is vehemently opposed given the organization’s trajectory in funds mismanagement.

Capitalism would thrive in the absence of shadow government split into three categories:

They are banking, transnational corporations and defense industry.

Banking industry speculative trade and selective justice against speculators sparing political campaign donors viz. prominent investment banks or equity management firms responsible for U.S. housing market slump depriving millions ownership and shelter along with euro zone calamity expose the network between politics, judiciary and economics.

Transnational Corporations – infringement upon overseas markets threatens disadvantaged demography livelihood through governmental pressure endangering small medium enterprise and entrepreneurships at lower economic strata.

Mega Corporation stakes in developing and emerging economies is a gateway to monopoly.

Likewise, in national turf – the big corporations bidding on merger and acquisitions suppress the free market elements to emerge and compete effectively against powerful establishments.

Energy Sector – Regarded the behemoth in containing alternative energy output using solar, wind and hydro projects.

They are instrumental in waging wars to maintain vested interests in oil and natural gas enriched territories around the world.

Wars also generate energy demand against inadequate supply boosting oil prices at peak.

Defense Industry – wars are lucrative with ammunition proliferation and investments in innovative stockpiles among warring factions confirming profit – the motivational factor from economic standpoint and the other dimension being global dominance to retain status quo.

Energy and Defense industries are influential forces in congressional and Presidential election.

United States Supreme Court decision on Citizens United is carte blanche to Corporations undermining democratic electoral process.

Unless the outcome reversed, the trend jeopardizes election results legitimacy and credibility.

Politics and economics fusion exceeding normal boundaries evidently is not the government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Another extenuating component of finance industry with pervasive impact on global society is tax havens and unaccounted funds in overseas bank accounts.

Swiss banks – USB and Credit Suisse Societe Generale – The leading purveyors of secret bank accounts accepting funds from illicit means essentially legalizing money laundering is crippling economies with Vienna convention granting impunity to offenders predominantly representing the political and privileged class in the society.

Swiss government neutral position and opposition to warfare is severely compromised in the approval of banking operation in semblance with the former Bank of Credit and Commerce International engaged in illegal assets holdings.

International objection to BCCI violation of banking law precipitated closure ending financial impropriety.

Banks in Switzerland, Singapore, Cayman and Cook Islands…transferring offshore accounts to onshore is imperative to alleviate burden on taxpayers in the developing and developed economy.

Credit Suisse Societe Generale compliance in this regard with United States is praiseworthy and applying same standards to other nations would eliminate preferential treatment perception.

Switzerland as a democratic society could set an example in returning national wealth to all nations deprived of revenue in income taxes or transactions pertaining to national or state contracts.

Market economy in republic governed democracy would comprise relevant regulations to safeguard customer rights, competitiveness for price and quality, business incentives to secure guaranteed returns and job preservation, logical tax reform with unaccounted money recovery,

Corporations leading economy rather than national and international politics would delineate economic leaderships in monitoring growth with necessary policy adjustments for better results.

Prohibiting corporations and corporate donations in election campaigns is critical for democracy to prevail.

Public sector streamlining bureaucracy and remaining focused on civil society development would improve efficiency.

Politics and economics on parallel mode refining methods, supplementing ideas and complementing productivity would enhance performance without hindrance in defined goals.

Capitalism in the present format is heavily invested in political power neglecting ethics and economy.

Profiteering on economic and military warfare is proved counterproductive.

Changing course to benefit humanity at large is the rational approach to resolving economic crisis.

Market economy guided by pragmatism and ingenuity with moral code as the catalyst is the promising future.

On that optimistic note,

Wishing success to world economic forum 2012 in Davos, Switzerland!

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Politics

Iran – EU Sanctions and Oil Embargo

By Padmini Arhant

European Union compliance to Israel’s proposal on oil embargo against Iran is a huge economic misstep for everyone involved especially Europe tethering on Central Banks capital infusion in the austerity era triggering population uprising against governments’ misplaced priority and erroneous policies hurting the public.

Every action has equal and opposite reaction.

U.S. and EU amenability to Israel’s far-fetched aspirations in the Middle East and western powers ambitions beyond Iran is detrimental for global economy and security.

Although U.S and EU imposed crippling sanctions against Iran at Israel’s behest might appear to strangle Iran’s economy,

The net impact on oil dependent industrialized western economies would be devastating regardless of alternative arrangements to import oil from other producers –

The course is already contributing to crude oil price increase with ripple effects on the end consumer.

Notwithstanding the emerging economies – BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa along with other players in Asia, Latin America and Africa would be competing with western counterparts on oil imports when Iran removed from supply chain.

Developing economies are struggling to cope with widespread recession partly attributed to financial markets speculative practices particularly the U.S finance and energy sectors major role leading to the status quo.

Again emerging economies dilemma in containing inflation could be exacerbated with energy demand pushing prices up pervasively on consumer goods and services in the market place,

While the outlined repercussions are economy related, the political ramifications cannot be ignored.

Arab Spring in the Middle East is currently exploited for political advantage in the west.

The revolutions having sacrificed precious lives in the initially peaceful and non-violent protests turned into civil war utilizing ammunition stockpiles originally delivered by defense industries in the armed confrontation.

Saudi Arabia and Iraq – The Arab nations expected to produce Iran’s share of crude oil for distribution to western power and allies denying Iranian people survival means foment not only anti-western sentiments but also anti-Arab thoughts cultivating the culture of acrimony rather than harmony.

Saudi Arabia – the kingdom proudly hosting the holy pilgrimage to Mecca with the holy shrine of Prophet Mohammad (May Peace be upon him),

The authorities’ actions are contradictory to Islamic faith and values exemplified by the Prophet.

The moral guidance enunciated in Holy Quran is violated when an Islamic nation willfully cooperates in the economic and/or military warfare against another Islamic state since Islam condemns killings, oppression and persecution of any living being.

Besides the architects of war in the Middle East have Saudi Arabia – the next target in the regime change agenda.

Effectively, Saudi Arabia complicity in substituting Iran’s oil production and other means could be self-destructive.

Similarly Iraq – the victim of unjust war waged under false pretext is deja vous for the country still in turmoil following decimation from invasion.

United States appointed leadership Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is a strong ally of Iran maintaining close ties with Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and,

The relation between the two neighbors would be seriously tested in the critical hour ranging from oil output to strategic assistance against Iran.

Turkey – The NATO partner and intermediary suffered setbacks with western powers – recent France Vote against Turkey on Armenian issue and Flotilla incident with Israel in 2010.

Any other Islamic nation’s alliance in the economic and military aggression against Iran with citizens being the casualty might produce unrest within society considering the opposition to foreign intervention in Islamic countries across the globe.

In terms of formidable support to Iran – China and Russia partnerships on many issues including security threats are solid and expected to continue in the long run.

Persian Gulf incursion combined with economic restraints against Iran is also perceived as decelerating growth among the emerging economies to sustain global dominance.

Humanity progress is measured by collective prosperity and superiority aimed at eliminating nations or diminishing economic status could ultimately harm the source.

The world would benefit from peace and unity.

Perpetual conflicts destroy life and destiny of the present and future generation.

Political leaderships are granted power for a reason – to improve the lives of many and empower the powerless not otherwise.

The leadership[s are urged to resolve the dispute through peace and diplomacy.

Life is meaningful upon serving the purpose to kindle the spirit of oneness bound by universal love and compassion.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Health

9/11 Health Care Act HR 847 Legislative Victory

By Padmini Arhant

Humanitarian Issues

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Life and Legacy

By Padmini Arhant

The great leader is remembered today for his commitment and sacrifice towards social justice and equality.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – a theologian and peace activist touched many lives across the spectrum with a deep understanding for human suffering that led to civil rights movement.

Emulating Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent principle in civil disobedience,

Dr. King enlightened society on basic human rights i.e.

All are born to be free and created equal.

The civil rights leader prevailed in emancipation from segregation and subjugation.

Dr. King inspired many in recognizing human values through mutual respect and empathy for one another.

Considering the intensity in human rights violation – Dr. King admirably practiced peaceful and non-violent means to break barriers proving the power of virtuous deeds.

Dr. King’s human rights legacy constitutes American heritage.

However, the civil rights legend dream for mankind – world without prejudice,

Perhaps be reality then conflicts driven atrocities would not be dominant characteristics in contemporary society.

Innocents would not be incarcerated and sentenced to premature death like Troy Davis and many in the nation proudly declared as – the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Guantanamo bay would not exist with nearly 175 human beings held in indefinite detention as terror suspects without trial or legal representation while enduring medieval age torture.

The latest incident involving certain U.S. marine indignation of deceased Afghan fighters in war torn Afghanistan and previously Abu Ghraib would not become the American image.

Congress would not be preparing to curb Internet access denying constitutionally guaranteed first bill of rights.

Similarly congressional efforts in restricting minority voting rights through mandatory voter ID would not be threatening citizens’ fundamental exercise to elect representative in a democracy.

Peaceful protesters might not have confronted with violent crack down from government.

Patriot Act – spying and constant surveillance along with unwarranted wiretapping would not be the law in the land of justice.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream paradoxical to present events.

Nonetheless, Dr. King’s faith in better tomorrow resonates throughout with global revolutions such as occupy protests and Arab spring demonstrating civil rights martyr spirit in overcoming challenges now and the days ahead.

DR. Martin Luther King Jr. dedication to civil rights and life in general would always be cherished and honored in perseverance for social progress.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant