Surviving Capitalism (Not) : Brazil: Extractive Capitalism and the Great Leap Backward

We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Monday, July 22, 2013

Brazil: Extractive Capitalism and the Great Leap Backward

Click here to access article by James Petras from his blog.

This retired professor of sociology examines the history of Brazil under neoliberalism. His examination offers an excellent example of development engineered by neoliberal forces in what most people regard as a "democratic" country.

Following the military dictatorships (1964-1984) there has been a series of elected governments that increased the opening of the Brazilian economy to international capitalist exploitation. Notice that it didn't matter under what party label that the government administrations were elected, the same policies were pursued. And, look at the results as described by Petras. Do you really think that the 99 Percent have really benefited? Do you think the latter would have chosen these policies decade after decade? But ~~their~~ the ruling class's "representative" governments did, and they and the international capitalists have benefited.