Resisting Neoliberalism: Talking Points

Resisting Neoliberalism: Talking Points

Postby Oscar » Wed Feb 08, 2017 7:58 pm

Resisting Neoliberalism: Talking Points

[ http://canadians.org/blog/resisting-neo ... ing-points ]

February 8, 2017 - 4:40 pm

The Council of Canadians recently held an internal webinar on "Trump, Trudeau, and Neoliberalism." [ http://canadians.org/blog/16-chapters-p ... sm-webinar ] Here are some talking points based on that information:

1. Neoliberalism is an ideology promoting a governing structure in which financial and capital markets make decisions, regulation of these markets is limited, and non-market government policy and programs are inhibited. Based on historical precedent and current actions, Canada’s current government supports a governing model based on neoliberal values.

2. A nationalist response to neoliberalism's logic makes invisible the beneficiaries of unregulated markets: the corporations. Trump's election identifies how a right wing nationalist response to neoliberalism places blame on the “outsiders” and the marginalized communities, while providing space for white supremacists to organize against the impacts of neoliberalism without targeting corporate power. In other words, nationalism is used as a shield to distract disenfranchised right-leaning groups from the true cause of their struggles - neoliberalism.

3. The progressive / left movements must reclaim space from the right in order to establish well informed opposition to neo-liberalism.

Tags: trade neoliberalism
[ http://canadians.org/tags/trade-neoliberalism ]

Diane Connors's blog
Prairies-NWT Regional Organizer
[ http://canadians.org/blogs/diane-connors ]

= = = = =

16 chapters participate in cross-country 'Trump, Trudeau and Neoliberalism' webinar

[ http://canadians.org/blog/16-chapters-p ... sm-webinar ]

January 25, 2017 - 8:47 pm

(PHOTO:Vancouver-based Council of Canadians organizer Harjap Grewal presenting during today's webinar.)

Sixteen Council of Canadians chapters, along with nineteen members of our staff and Board of Directors, gathered today for a webinar on 'Trump, Trudeau and Neoliberalism' presented by our Vancouver-based organizer Harjap Grewal.

Organizers Diane Connors and Robin Tress, who coordinated the webinar, had noted in their outreach, "A Trump presidency means a hard fight for social justice movements at home and around the world. Looking back in history, we could see it coming as a result of decades of neoliberal policy in Western democracies - looking into the future, we can try to shape our movements to defend and build against the ideology of neoliberalism that devalues and destroys people and planet."

Grewal began by explaining that neoliberalism - which can be basically defined as an agenda of privatization, tax cuts, deregulation, austerity and spending cuts, free trade, and corporate power - has as its underpinning the notion that greed is good and regulations are bad. This is a view that benefited Trump in the recent American election.

He then explored two key elements of the state. He highlighted that there is the state apparatus that benefits corporations (by lowering corporate taxes, implementing free trade deals) and the state that funds public health care and schools, and that implements regulations in the public interest. He emphasized the latter good things that the state does were all won through social movement struggle and that they are not intrinsically part of how the state functions.

Grewal also noted the need to be cautious around nationalism, particularly given how Trump used nationalism in both his "Make American Great Again" slogan and in repeatedly blaming Mexicans for stealing US jobs as a way to divert attention from how corporate power has harmed workers. An example he used is as follows: A boss, a worker and a migrant go into a restaurant. The boss takes 95 per cent of a pie at their table. He then turns to the worker and says the migrant is going take their piece of the pie. This underlines why anti-racism and global solidarity are critical in the fight against neoliberalism.

He also noted how both Trudeau and Trump have outflanked the Left on the Keynesian idea of public infrastructure spending to stimulate the economy. Both Trudeau and Trump campaigned on infrastructure spending, but both have in mind major public-private partnerships (P3s) that mean more user fees and greater inequality, rather than public infrastructure that benefits the public good.

Grewal concluded by highlighting the importance of opposing neoliberalism (which we have historically done), to recognize what can happen when issues are framed in a nationalist context (given how Trump exploited that framing), and the importance of us putting forward ideas and building a broader systemic analysis as well as working on issue based campaigns.

A good discussion and questions followed.

Northwest Territories chapter activist Lois Little commented, "Excellent presentation Harjap. People in the Council of Canadians are smart folks and working from an ideological framework is what we need to do more of. This is what will engage Canadians." And South Niagara chapter activist Fiona McMurran added, "Your presentation is so thoughtful and balanced."

Both Connors and Tress are hoping to organize more webinars with chapters, Board members and staff in the coming months.

To read the Council of Canadians vision statement which challenges the basic tenets of neoliberalism, please click here:
[ http://canadians.org/vision ]

Tags: chapters
[ http://canadians.org/tags/chapters ]

Brent Patterson's blog
Political Director of the Council of Canadians
[ http://canadians.org/blogs/brent-patterson ]

= = = =

Our Vision

[ http://canadians.org/vision ]

Humanity is at a crossroads. Economic globalization and unregulated market capitalism have divided the world – and Canada – into rich and poor as at no time in living history and endangered the ability of the planet to sustain life. Tragically, most governments support an economic system that puts unlimited growth above the vital needs of people and the planet. The Council of Canadians is part of a global civil society movement to drive transformative change in the absence of true leadership by governments.

The foundation of our work is the education and empowerment of people to fight for the values and policies we believe in. Our supporters and network of more than 60 active volunteer chapters create a powerful voice for social and environmental justice. We work to hold governments accountable and challenge the unbalanced power of corporations, promoting positive social change in Canada and the world.

We believe this path must be founded on a deep understanding of our place within life and nature. We are the only species capable of profoundly altering the biosphere. That must inspire us to humility, not arrogance; to stewardship, not exploitation; and to social solidarity, not competition.

Promoting Economic and Social Justice

The Council of Canadians fights for economic and social justice. Decades of market-based, corporate-friendly policies have stripped working people of their rights, undermined universal social security, and placed the demands of big business over the rights of people. We promote fair trade over free trade, just and sustainable jobs, public health care and water, energy and food security, and alternatives to corporate power, here in Canada and around the world.

Protecting and Expanding the Commons

The Council of Canadians fights to protect the Commons. In the drive for unlimited growth, corporations and governments seek to commodify the Commons – those ecological, social and cultural resources and heritages that are shared by all – through takeover, privatization and exploitation, often using free trade agreements as the principal vehicle. We promote the preservation and reclamation of these Commons for the public good, here in Canada and around the world.

Creating a Living Democracy

The Council of Canadians fights for democracy. For several decades, the growing influence of big business over domestic governments and international institutions has led to a democratic deficit for people. Very often, government policy no longer reflects the will of the majority. We work to strengthen the power of civil society, including non-violent civil disobedience, to promote policies that serve people, communities and our shared environment, not corporate interests, here in Canada and around the world.

The Council of Canadians does not accept money from corporations or governments and is sustained by the volunteer energy and financial assistance of our supporters. We invite you to join our movement and become part of this collective effort. A better Canada – a better world – is possible!
Oscar
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