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GLOBALIZATION
The government of BC recently surprised the media and public by announcing some projected changes to Translink Board who govern transportation in the lower mainland and is of great concern to the Greater Vancouver Regional District. These changes put the mayors in an advisory position. They will have to decide on several proposals regarding transportation. If they do not agree to any then the unelected board that presented the proposals will chose one for them.
Why does no one raise the point that Translink Governance Review is in reality part and parcel of the corporate take over of governance of democratically elected levels of government? It began with globalization and has steadily increased. Governments can no longer pass legislation that harms or hinders investment (see Free Trade Agreements including TILMA!). Free Trade and Tilma in a nutshell say that no level of government can pass laws that restrict investment. That is, in any way hinder or harm profits!
Many think that globalization is relatively new development that began after World War II. It turns out that is not so. While it does refer to the present the possibility of a global economic system appeared in Wealth of Nations (1776) and the Communist Manifesto (1848) Mark and Engles link the global spread of capitalism to the production of a global culture.
(http://humanities.mcmaster.ca/~szerman/global.htm) “A great deal of discussion has also centered on the political implications of globalization. In particular, a great deal of attention has been focused on the threats that globalization poses to the power and sovereignty of nation-states (examined in a different way by David Held, Manuel Castells and James Roseau) and correspondingly, on the emergence of new sites of transnational politics centered in global cities (as described by Saskia Sassen), international organizations (including NGO’s and the United nations) and transnational corporations. Examination of the politics of globalization includes assessments of increasing militarization of global relations, the emergence of new nationalisms and ethnic conflicts and the massive migrations of peoples across regions or even across the globe, a process that has put significant strains on definitions of citizenship and cultural belongings in almost all western countries.” (http://humanities.mcmaster.ca/~szerman/global.htm)
Globalization after WW II really took off as the technological and scientific revolution gained impetus. It affected production, distribution, politics and finance. A feature not discussed by and large is the development of transnationalization and deterritorialization of capital and industry. As these developed companies increasingly crossed boundaries and moved across the globe to take advantage of cheap labour and develop markets for goods and services. This mobility in turn has conflicted with both government and non-government agents to control the grasping control of capital and the demand for ever greater profits. All to the detriment of its majority class, the worker.
Another aspect of globalization is “Examination of the politics of globalization includes assessments of the increasing militarization of global relations, the emergence of new nationalisms and ethnic conflicts, and massive migrations of people across regions and even across the globe, a process that has put significant strains on definitions of citizenship and cultural belonging in almost all Western countries.” (ibid) The conflict, in reality, centres on two systems – capitalist or socialist. Capitalism is presently predominant and led by the United States of America and the world’s only superpower. The few socialist countries are struggling to exist under capitalist pressure without the strength of the former USSR. The aspect of anti-communism is not considered or mentioned in the major media when discussing such conflicts as those in the Middle East. Yet anti-communism is at the root of most problems in the world. The capitalist system is failing and using desperate measures to prop up the failing system. It fears the spread of socialist ideology since workers will find socialism a superior system to capitalism.
THE REORGANISING OF TRANSLINK
The report is labeled as “An Independent Review of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority”. While the report clearly says there was consultation they are not clearly indicated. Given that the announcement of the government came as a surprise to media and the public one can’t help wondering if it was selective consultation? In the report to the Minister it says “We held more than 30 meetings with stakeholders and received 120 submissions. We also received advice on a range of topics, including legal, governance, marketing, and finance and revenue measures. While our recommendations were informed by this input, they were the Panels’ alone.” We asked our MLA if the report was raised in the house. The answer was yes. Our MLA asked the Minister about consultation. The minister replied that it was not that kind of process and did not require consultation. The full text should be available in Hansard for 2006.
Present Translink is noted for selective consultation. When asked why the issue of handyDART did not receive public consultation like UBC-Vancouver did we were told that it did. Turns out on investigation Translink asked the managers of each operation district to name 2 drivers for consultation. That is not public!
Regarding the movement of people we ask why has there been no study as to why they are traveling on public transit. We suspect such a survey would reveal the majority of trips, possibly as high as 80%, would be related to travel to or from work, to visit a doctor, lawyer or other professional, to shopping or theatres and so on. A minority of trips would be family related like visiting parents.
The Small Business Council of Vancouver pointed out they use only 40 percent of the city services but pay 80 percent of its taxes. They demanded and received the gradual reversal of taxation away from business and on to the homeowner. Why not apply the same reasoning to transportation? It is often said “Let the user pay!” Why not “Let those who benefit pay.” A transportation tax on those listed above is long overdue.
The report mentions inter-municipal travel. It does not mention that the reason young people move out of Vancouver is the inflated cost of housing. The drive for super profits once again.
Efficient goods movement also came up for notice. Federal, Provincial or City governments have not examined the question. Truck travel alone in highway cost, pollution cost not to mention the cost of trucks must be huge. Why not rule that all ‘long haul’ transportation of goods must be by rail or sea? A study of cost savings and pollution reduction would reveal great savings.
Under “A New Transportation Planning Framework” handyDART is not mentioned. Indeed it is not mentioned anywhere in the report. It is and will be a major issue in the upcoming struggle for democratic governance of transportation! As the general public become more and more aware of the loss of democracy through corporate governance there will be an immense struggle for regaining true democracy.
In the section headed, “A New Governance Model” The council of Mayors will have no power but to select from options given them by an appointed board – no input from people who should be best informed of their areas needs. They will either accept one of the proposals or have it imposed on them. That is not democracy; it is totalitarian dictatorship of business orientated board members!
It is time for an organized public opposition to this undemocratic mess. Vancouver City Council began in 2006 with motion B2 and more recently with motion B6.
WAKE UP!
To sum up, unless the ‘progressives’ are able to research and disseminate the information about extreme right wing measures that can and will lead to a fascist dictatorship, we and/or our children and grandchildren will find ourselves living in a world designed for the benefit of the rich. A world of continuous wars, increased poverty and death and possible a climate not fit to live in – a fascist world.
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