- The world is far from equal but in some ways it is at least heading in the right direction. We have now welcomed 12 new countries into the EU and therefore given millions the right to travel and work more or less where they like, which is a right that they never had before. Let’s hope millions more get the same equal opportunity. Of course, this has an effect on the West, because there are more people available to work – but they should always have had that right.
- The second positive reason is that due to World Trade Agreements, developing countries are able to export their produce to Western markets. Again, there is a lot more to be done here, but a start has been made, and the more of it, the better.
In summary, the World is starting to become a more equal place for all its citizens, and not just the 10% of the population from the West who have controlled everything and everyone else for so long by stopping people from moving where they want to, and by telling them that they can’t have access to foreign markets with their produce. Yes it’s hurting the West a little, but why should the house we live in be worth 300,000 instead of 200,000 when there are people starving in the World, with no home at all, because of the way they are controlled by the powerful? It’s worth remembering that people on the dole (in Ireland or England at least) are still part of the 10% of the World´s population that make up the wealthy, when you compare them to World living standards.
Just some thoughts there! 
Murph,
Firstly, may I wish you and your’s a happy new year.
Good comment, I have noticed whilst lecturing over the past couple of years that more students from Eastern europe attend.
On a percentage basis, they tend to be good students and achieve better results compared to indiginous students.
My humble opinion is that a work ethic is ingrained in them (generally speaking) as opposed to the remnants of the celtic tiger era lack of same in places.
regards
ray
Howdy Ray, good to hear from you head, and a happy New Year to you too! You´re right, that bastard Celtic Tiger has made the youth lazy and now they will have the opportunity to wake up. See you for a pint the next time I’m home. Take care.
Alright Murph?
Happy new year you lot.
I agree that integration and diversity is important. I agree with trade agreements that give poorer countries the oppotunities that we have taken for granted. I think its great that my company can source ingredients from around the world for my customers to enjoy (fair trade of course) but it is also important to use local growers, producers and manufacturers to help our local economy. Recessions are uncomfortable- But not as uncomfortable as starving. I’m over in March, the plane will be full and so will the hotel. The bloke on the radio keeps going on about getting the “feel good factor” I’m gonna get mine “Charlies style”. Take care all. see you soon. Boyd
Howdy Boyd, ya ould slapper!! Happy New Year to you all as well. I agree that you should support local suppliers, but everyone should have access to the market and the local supplier needs to compete. Look forward to having a pint in your good company in March, Sir.
Hey Bar,
Happy New Year to you and all at Charlie’s!
I agree with you re. the positive aspects of recession. However, if you happen to be one of the 1,900 to be laid off by Dell in Limerick, I don’t think you’d be feeling that positive!
The Dell plant in Poland will pay €3 an hour to its workers and while the cost of living is cheaper there than in Ireland, is this not just another example of greedy capitalism at its worst?
Mr. Dell and his ilk have no social or moral conscience – ditto the Irish bankers, estate agents, developers etc. etc. Is this recession not a time to re-evaluate the way the world is ordered? Surely, there must be a better way. Surely, the human race can ensure that no child dies of hunger and that every person enjoys the most basic of human rights i.e. food, shelter, safety and education.
“I’m alright, Jack!” has been the mantra of the well-off for too long. As well as being worried about our carbon footprint, I think we must be equally concerned about our moral footprint. And it starts with all of us.. right now!
Jaze, there’s a sermon and a half!!
Finally, hope to get over to Charlie’s some time in 2009,
Gay x
Murph,
Looking forward to a pint with you when you’r back.
Go easy on the writing bit, frightening the bejasus out of me, You’ll put me out of a job!!
Take it handy head.
Ray