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The Boston Social Forum, held at the University of Massachusetts July 23-25, was a huge offering of speakers and panels with activists from all over the world—usually with 30 or more concurrent choices. There were several “tracks” or themes, so that if one had narrow interests one could simply go to everything on that track. A few examples: tracks for water, alternative economics, global warming, gay & lesbian rights, peace. The need to clone myself was intense! I can only summarize a few of the offerings I attended, which by no means represents the incredible wealth of information that was available. Of course, I went to several of the workshops on water.
Tikkun Magazine spokesman Michael Lerner spoke of the need for changing the bottom line from money and power to love and caring. He chided the liberals and progressives for their failure to focus on the spiritual hunger, the hunger for connection and meaning, which has left that area open to the religious right to exploit. He called for people in each profession to imagine the new bottom line being “to what extent are we producing loving, caring people?” and to confront the inner voices of fear. Cynicism grows from the dashing of hopes. He proposed an economic program with a social responsibility amendment to the Constitution, in which every corporation with an income over $30 million a year must get a new corporate charter every 10 years, through proving its history of social responsibility to a panel of ordinary citizens.
In a panel called “The World Wants Peace,” Dennis Kucinich pointed out that over 12,000 noncombatants have died in Iraq, 100 million in the 20th century. He called for activists to make the peace movement visible, with mass advocacy for peace in workplaces, schools, campuses. Jimmy Massey of Asheville Veterans for Peace spoke of his 12 years as a Marine. He recalled how the troops were expected to kill civilians, and how it was covered up by calling civilians “insurgents.” “That’s how insurgents are created,” he said. Tony Donaghey, a British trade unionist, recounted that 2 million had demonstrated in February 2003 in London. Phyllis Bennis recalled how on February 15 of this year, 665 cities demonstrated worldwide against war; she quoted the New York Times as saying that “the two superpowers are the United States, and global public opinion.” 15 million people are saying no to war. Leslie Cagan noted that the government does not listen to rallies, and we need a movement that not only protests but can alter power relations and change the world; it’s essential to talk to neighbors and workmates, not just vote. Nancy Lessin and Charlie Richardson of Military Families Speak Out reported that in their organization’s first 20 months, they recruited over 1500 military families, some of whom were Republicans or lifelong military families, around these demands: Bring the troops home, end the occupation; care for soldiers with post traumatic stress; stop the racism and dehumanization that lead to atrocities. They pointed out that Americans go along with war because young people with poor education and minimal job prospects are sold on the military as a career opportunity. A member of Families for Peaceful Tomorrows (families of 9/11 victims) related his plans to walk with others from Boston to New York, in a “stonewalk,” carrying the message that war is terrorism. The “stonewalk” involves pulling a 3,000-pound stone by hand on a cart, to commemorate war dead.
Michael Shuman led a workshop on local ownership of the economy. Locally owned businesses spend more money locally than do chain stores. Tax abatements to local businesses give 15 times as much benefit as those to nonlocal businesses. $100 spent at a chain bookstore puts about $13 back into the local economy, whereas the same expenditure at a locally-owned bookstore puts $45 into the local economy. Making more goods locally enhances the tax base, whereas dependency on imports leads to increased vulnerability to oil price fluctuations. “Import substitution” refers to making local goods to take the place of imported ones. Instead of finding one niche in a global market and exporting goods worldwide, it is better to make a wide variety of goods to fulfill local needs. This involves planning, training, investing local capital, and encouraging local consumers to buy. Assets can include abandoned land. Leakages must be assessed: where do dollars leak out of the local economy? (e.g., credit card spending, imported energy and food). A living wage may only increase prices 1% overall, while people’s standard of living improves significantly. Training is important. Local schools can support entrepreneurship; Mountain MicroEnterprise Fund of Asheville, NC offers technical assistance to small businesses. “Incubators” can help, such as community kitchens for those wanting to start small food service businesses. Investment capital is key, and can be had through credit unions and community banks.
Wind Power – At present, the US has 6,374 MW wind power capacity. With just 1% of all land area, it could grow to 20% of all US electricity. There are 119 communities with Class III wind or better.
The Dakotas alone have enough potential wind power to supply 1/3 of the nation’s need. Texas is the second largest wind producer currently (after California). Hull, Massachusetts has a wind turbine at a high school which provides enough power for 250 homes (660 kw/hr.) In under three years, over half the investment of $700,000 has already been paid back. Some of this power goes to traffic lights and street lights. Wind power can create more jobs making the towers and blades locally. Wind can be linked with hydroelectric power for peak usage, by pumping water uphill; during a peak demand period, the pumped water can be released to run a hydroelectric generator.
Social and Economic Policy Priorities for Building an Alternative Economy (panel): Frances Fox Piven spoke of strategies to regain power, such as strikes and civil disobedience. “The threat of ungovernability” has happened in the past, and must again,” she said. Nicolas Bermudez of Fundacion Gaia Amazonas, representing indigenous people of the Amazon, said that economic alternatives must connect with indigenous people’s culture. Respect for diversity is the key to democracy. Self-determination and collective local decision-making are crucial. Tad Williamson of Dollars & Sense magazine called for developing a critical consciousness toward journalism. Politics is dominated by business. Workers can take over a plant which has been closed; this was done in Ohio. Pension funds currently hold $9 trillion; these funds could be used to support community and local economic development in depressed areas. Trade unions in Canada have done this successfully, and there are no legal obstacles. Jeremy Brecher, author of Globalization from Below, said that the problems of working people in the US and of third world people are converging due to “outsourcing” of jobs. Although it can lead to anti-immigrant attitudes and China-bashing, it’s an opportunity to explain that the problem is caused by the capitalists, not the workers; the solution is to co-operate with the other workers; all victims of global economics are in the same boat. The labor movement and social justice movement must draw these connections. Labor’s response to outsourcing has been protectionism, but this does not solve the problem. Lucy Komisar of Tax Justice Network told how corporations like Enron call their loans “profits” so that their stock won’t go down. Two-thirds of major corporations are not paying taxes, but getting rebates, simply by not declaring their profits. $170 billion per year is lost in tax revenue as a result. Half the world’s capital flows through tax haven banks and securities; they keep 2 sets of books (one for the IRS). At Porto Allegre World Social Forum, a tax justice network started: www.taxjustice.net.
International forum:
Former Clinton staffer Robert Reich declared that Bush has united the progressives, independents, and even a few Republicans around a progressive agenda: US out of Iraq, stop job flight, living wage, preserve the environment, civil liberties, and affordable health care. Kerry must be pushed to be progressive.
Jim Hightower, author of Let’s Stop Beating Around the Bush, said “Let’s show Bush the door in ’04!” 46 million have no health insurance in this country; 6.8 million are working, yet in poverty. Jobs don’t mean income: “Slaves had jobs.” Job training has been cut, 3 million jobs have been lost. Some good news: 177 communities mobilized to defeat Walmart moving in. Maine has now adopted a plan for universal health care.
Ruba Ede called for the withdrawal of Israel from the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinians cannot freely travel; they pass through one of 200 checkpoints about every 10 minutes. This deeps economic activity depressed, all industries have been destroyed. Remarking that half of the speakers for the Boston Social Forum were not allowed in, she said, “Let’s have free movement of people, not just free trade!”
Walden Bello of the Philippines informed us that his country’s contingent had withdrawn from Iraq. The Faluja resistance is “not Saddam’s folks, not terrorists—they just want the US occupation out.” The WTO is in trouble due to the collapse of the Cancun Summit, and the FTAA did not do well in Miami. “Imperial overstretch is a fatal disease,” he declared. The failure of empire is the precondition for the rebirth of a true democracy, which was hijacked.
Accompanied by a giant water goddess puppet with long blue streamers (thanks to the Water Allies Network), Maude Barlow took the stage. Author of Blue Gold and a member of the Council of Canadians, International Forum on Globalization, she is an outspoken opponent of privatizing water. Over 10 million people have had their water cut off since they could not pay for the higher prices instituted by the private corporations. By 2025, fully 2/3 of the world’s population will not have enough water, of whom one-third will be in severe crisis. In India, Coke and Pepsi are using satellite technology to find the water, while Kerala is fighting it. In Barrington, New Hampshire, a battle is raging against “USA Spring”, who is pumping the local aquifer. It is a struggle for the life blood of the earth. The World Bank is forcing privatization on third world countries, using NAFTA’s rules. The World Water Council is promoting privatization. Nestle now has 78 brands of bottled water; Coke aims at 25% of the world’s liquid intake. Economic globalization is failing on all levels: economic, social, political, and spiritual. There is a growing movement for water justice and social justice. Water is a global commons, she said, which should belong to all species, and all generations. Water will either be the source of greed, division, and war, OR nature’s training ground for peace. The world’s water must not be for sale; people and nature will take it back.
Other speakers called for a “Jubilee South”, in which southern hemisphere countries call for cancellation of debt; and for the US to withdraw its 96 bases from Korea, for a “nuclear-free Korea.” In Puerto Alegre, Brazil, next year’s World Social Forum expects 100,000 people.
Climate Change forum:
Ross Gelbspan, author of The Heat is On, told us that 3,000 people died in Europe as a result of last summer’s heat wave. Such weather events are not random; they are associated with global warming. CO2 emissions must be cut by 70-80% as quickly as possible. Compact fluorescent bulbs will not be enough. Environmental groups must work with public health, labor, human rights, and justice organizations. The poor are hit hardest by severe weather events. Rising sea levels will lead to evacuations of small island nations; asthma will increase in inner-city neighborhoods. Industrial countries must turn to renewable energy sources; subsidies for fossil fuel must be removed and put into renewables, and jobs will follow. $300 billion per year for wind, solar, fuel cells, and hydrogen would be a good start. Regulatory mechanisms must increase the efficiency of fossil fuel use by 5% per year to get the waste out; this should be followed by a 5% yearly decrease in fossil fuel use via introducing alternatives. Airline travel should be taxed heavily.
Professor Barry Rock of Univ. of New Hampshire identified public misconceptions about global warming: “Scientists don’t agree” –this isn’t true. “It’s 100 years away.” It’s here now; within the next 100 years, a 6-10 degree F. increase is expected, making New England similar to Atlanta. “It’s a natural cycle”—no! It’s human caused. CO2 levels are now higher than in the last 420,000 years. CO2 is largely from vehicles; there are 20 lb. of CO2 in each gallon of gas. Hybrid cars are a step, not enough.
Michael Charney of Massachusetts Climate Action Network informed us that 165,000 people worldwide died last year due to climate change. We are spoiled, he said, adding that renewable energy and energy efficiency must be our highest priorities. We can start with our local City Councils, speaking with our local officials, asking how buildings are heated, promoting more public transit, educating the population. “The mayor should drive a hybrid car.” A climate action plan must permeate everything in society.
Water privatization was the theme of several workshops:
The big water companies include Veolia (formerly Vivendi), operating in over 100 countries, with annual revenues of $14.5 billion; their North American subsidiary is US Filter. Suez ($15.2 billion) has United Water in North America. Besides these, RWE/Thames Water, Nestle (Poland Spring, Ice Mountain, Deer Park), and Coca-Cola (Dasani, Evian) make up most of the market.
One of the major goals of the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) negotiations is to increase privatization of water world-wide.
In Nicaragua, there are already 3 million people who don’t have water. There are street battles taking place against privatization of the water supply. Many children are dying due to the unclean water. Activists are calling for a consumer council to oversee watersheds. In India, Coca-Cola has been charged with causing water shortages. In Ghana, people must pay with pre-paid water meters, costing up to half of household income. Cholera outbreaks are happening. Coke is now cheaper than water in India and Mexico.
The problems are in the U.S. and Canada as well. In Detroit, Michigan, there have been 40,000 homes where water was shut off due to scarcity and resulting price hikes; yet the state allows Nestle corporation to bottle water. The only access to water in Laredo, Texas, is from a city tap, where people bring their jugs and pay with quarters. In Canada, Enron took over a city’s water system, with a “public-private partnership”; E.Coli killed ten people. 10% of First Nations’ water (indigenous people’s water) is contaminated, in Canada.
How do the water companies take over municipal water supplies? They argue that it is “too expensive” for the public sector. However, in the U.S., 85% of all utilities are still publicly owned. It will take an estimated $2 trillion to refurbish the aging water supply infrastructure in the US, within the next 20 years. “The private sector has money to invest,” we are told. In truth, they also borrow, but at a higher interest rate than a city; also, they must pay higher taxes, and they require a 15-20% profit. So the numbers don’t make sense. A municipal utility exists to deliver water, not to make profit. In Lexington, KY, privatization was tried and already failed. In Atlanta, privatization led to huge cost overruns, and the city canceled the contract.
Bottled water can cost up to 1000x what tap water costs, although ¼ of bottled water is simply tap water. In Latin America the Life Network is fighting commodification. The water crisis has led to a huge potential for profit. The giant water companies, backed by the World Trade Organization, have the power to change laws in their own favor. Privatizers swoop in on cities with water problems, like Miami, San Diego, and Phoenix. But they don’t want to invest in infrastructure. Federal assistance to cities will be needed.
The World Water Council is actually an international lobby group, posing as impartial, which advocates privatization and says that packaging water is the answer. They are not solving the problems of accessibility and accountability.
Tap water is monitored by EPA, but bottled water is less regulated. NRDC found that 2/3 of bottled waters sampled had high bacterial counts. There is a movement now, through Water Allies Network, to boycott bottled water. They seek to force the municipalities, through the local water boards, to give better water. Using a filter at home is better than buying water in plastic bottles. More public drinking fountains need to be installed. People need access to clean drinking water.
How do we push for water stewardship? One way is through water conservation, another through pushing state legislatures to protect groundwater. We must acknowledge the sacredness of water, which should never be under corporate control. All people must be able to afford water, as a human right. We need to oppose dams and pollution, and offer alternatives. Kerry must be pressured to remove CAFTA. Mayors can be urged to commit not to sell their cities’ water. The movement can be expanded to include workers, youth, and indigenous peoples. Legislative changes: we need watershed source protection. Water services must be placed in public trust.
An organization called Public Citizen, led by Hugh Jackson, is working against privatization nationwide on a “Water for All” campaign. They have published several excellent articles. See www.wateractivist.org. The Water Allies Network (www.waterallies.org) was formed in November of last year. One of their working groups is taking on the bottled water industry. Their goal is to shut down “exclusivity contracts.” Three other working groups focus on Clean Water, Healthy Communities, and Energy & Scarcity.
There is a film, “Thirst” (www.thirstthemovie.com) which can be shown at house-parties. Other websites: www.polarisinstitute.org, www.wateractivist.org, www.waterstewards.org, www.psiru.org (public services international), www.blackmesawatercoalition.org (indigenous water issues). Canada:
www.bueplanetproject.net/english/.
In 2006, Mexico City will host the next international Water Forum.
For Earth,
Cathy Holt
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