Neoliberalism is dead.
So, this is what Thomas Friedman meant when he told us Corporate Globalization would make the world flat. It seems he was right, capitalism has indeed flattened the world. I suppose this is "trickle-down" economics, no pun intended.
So these people are suffering because they have cell phones? It may be incomplete, but this is definitely and improvement.
Alas, though, I think the invention of the hand-held toilet may be some ways off...
So you can chat with your mates on your mobile, but you can't find a bloody w.c. Indeed, it's clear Capitalism in making the world a wealthier place.
Oh, yes, definitely an improvement, I suppose it is if you like to wipe your arse with electronics
What's happened in India over the past twenty years is a first-rate Success story. Indians have fallen in love with consumer goods, and their lives are the better for it! The fact that there are fewer toilets than cell phones is simply a reflection of how eager the Indian people are to move full speed ahead into the future. To try to attack "Corporate Globalization" in this regard is ludicrous. The rapid economic growth spurred by Capitalism is probably the greatest force for good in the world today. Cultures are becoming more homogenized and standards of living are vastly improving. The fact that you can order the exactly the same meal in 148 countries is a testament to the Awesome marvel that is Capitalism. If there's one thing that will bring an end to terrorism worldwide, it's "corporate globalization".
ah, an apologist for Corporate greed is here to enlighten us all on how joyous and wonderful monotony is. Suffice it to say, it seems 7 billion people and 10,000 years of culture disagree with you, sir.
Well, North Korea seems like a nice place.
.....This was your first thought? Mine was the exact opposite.
After all, who is probably offering the cell phone services? Public or private sector? Who is probably offering the sanitation services? Public or private sector?
exactly, the private sector is perfectly willing to expand access to luxury commodities for the wealthy upper middle classes, but when it comes to the most basic safety necessities for the average citizen, not to mention the many millions living in poverty, they somehow fail to deliver.
Did you read what I wrote?
If I thought like you did, I would immediately think, "Opportunity!" And try to start up tolled-restrooms around India or start up a plumbing company.
Precisely, the concept of privitised lavatories is ludicrous (despite there being some, such as American free-market libertarian John Stossel who find it to be a splendid idea.) The private sector could however easily provide plumbing expertise and wastewater/sewage infrastructure development, but as business is solely motivated by the potential for profit, this essential public service has not been deemed worthwhile. The government, which has a responsibility to look after the welfare of all its citizens, has not stepped up to the challenge either, likely due to the fact that there is far less money invested in the Public sector than the private , due to regressive tax policies and privitisation of important industries which should be either nationalised, municipally owned or worker-owned for the public good.
Such are the obvious pitfalls of an economic system that rewards callous greed and discourages humanitarian generosity.