G20: The Verdict
At the G20 this week, a growing group of G20 countries from South Africa to Brazil backed the Robin Hood Tax, and the link between the Robin Hood Tax and fighting poverty and climate change became clearer than ever. Momentum is building and leaves leaders like David Cameron who opposed the tax looking increasingly isolated having sided not with the 99% suffering the effects of the economic crisis, but the interests of a privileged few in the financial sector.
As expected, Bill Gates presented an excellent report calling for a 'Robin Hood Tax' on financial transactions to raise much-needed money for poor countries struggling to cope with the economic crisis and climate change. Bill Gates's report is a game changer - it shows that a tax is both feasible and desirable but crucially that countries can no longer hide behind the excuse that financial transaction taxes needs to be global to work.
Whilst G20 leaders could have gone further, this is far from the end. Events in recent days, with Mr Gates' call being supported by G20 members from France, Germany, Argentina, South Africa and Brazil and by senior figures from the Archbishop of Canterbury to Jeff Sachs, it is clear that momentum is building behind an idea whose time has come.
David Cameron remains one of the key blockers in the international process with even the USA and Russians moving, so it’s vital we keep up the pressure on the UK government ahead of EU talks next week and UN climate talks in South Africa in December. And here in the UK, as the economy fails to pick up and cuts to public services continue to hit ordinary people, we need to keep the pressure on Cameron – this is Plan B.
We are now part of a movement of millions. From church services in St. Paul’s to nurses on Wall Street, people everywhere are saying enough is enough. A Robin Hood Tax remains the best option on the table to start making the financial sector work for people, not just for profit.
The extraordinary actions of people around the world mean this fight can be won. Yesterday, as leaders met in Cannes, thousands of nurses marched in New York and Washington to try to convince President Obama to put the interests of Main Street ahead of the titans of Wall Street. Some of those nurses had travelled all the way to Cannes from South Korea, Spain, Ireland and America with one simple message: enough is enough, and to ask governments to do what they do everyday - put people, not profit first with a Robin Hood Tax. A glimpse of their determination came in a story told away from the media spotlight. One nurse visited her progressive Congressman to ask him to support the tax, and got the response 'you nurses, you should lower your ambition.' She replied: 'Would you like me to do that when you come in for heart surgery?'
Tim Noonan of the International Trade Union Congress presented at the G20 and went straight to the heart of the argument, saying "Governments should have a contract with their people, not with the banks. When you strip away the technical arguments about derivatives, high frequency trading and credit default swaps, it really is simple: a tiny tax on some of the richest people in the world that could raise billions to help the poorest."
As an economic storm once again threatens to engulf the world economy, all eyes will be on world leaders to fix the system; by curbing casino capitalism Robin Hood taxes will help do that, in addition to raising tens of billions to help the world's poorest people.
Ideas this good don’t come along every day. And when they do, they’re too powerful to ignore.
Comments
#1 The British Government
I live in the UK and I am ashamed of my government, i am in process of wrtining to my MP about it.
I think it would be a good idea to put a link up so UK residents can express their displeasure direct to the government
#2 uk government
yes, I agree - a page where people can write their views about the fact that David Cameron is blocking this, which can then be delivered directly to Cameron should be put up asap. we need hundreds of thousands of comments....SOON!
#3 british government
I agree with Matt; having read Bob Diamond's feeble article in today's Guardian, I feel even more angered and frustrated by Cameron's evasions : so much for 'we are all in it together'.
A link to the No 10 website would be ideal.
#4 I too am a UK citizen who
I too am a UK citizen who feels ashamed of the stance taken by David Cameron on this. Please can you put up a link so that we can email him directly.
#5 Robin Hood Tax
Cameron if you hope toget my vote at the next election you had better vote for the Robin Hood tax now.
#6 I agree!
I am also a UK resident and completely agree. Give me the right words to express my frustration - I'm rubbish at doing it myself!
#7 Robin Hood tax
I wrote to my MP and got the usual excuses back saying the government were doing all they can. However, the more of us that write to our MP`s the more effective we can be. I wholeheartedly support the Robin Hood tax and the only people that dont are the ones who gain from the obscene bonuses that the bankers receive.
#8 Letter to MP
I agree with Sherry that we should all write to our MPs. I recieved a letter from my MP saying he had passed on my interest in a Robin Hood Tax and that he himself recieved a letter back basically saying "no, it won't work". Maybe a template of a 'strong' letter to our MPs made available to us here online would be a start. Because we can't just shrug our collective shoulders when we get letters like I did and say "well sure they tried". More pressure needs to be applied.
#9 Robin Hood Tax
I totally agree with you Matt and your idea is a good one, we must make our government realise that we care about one another's opportunities even if the government don't care about us. and remind them elections are getting nearer every day
#10 The shame of the coalition government.
I can do nore than support Matt Caveney in what he says. The self interest of our government supporting as it does its rich backers is breathtaking in its overt nature. "Call me Dave" must be made to see sense now that the majority of the industrialised nations have come to a concensus on this measure.
With increased international support the argument that we would be at a disadvantage will no longer wash.
So come on Mr. Cameron, Mr. Clegg, & Mr Milliband for once legislate for the large proportion of our electorate that are being fleeced to pay for the mistakes of those who, in the main, percipitated the present crisis.
#11 No Tobin Tax and Tar Sands too!
I am so ashamed of the British Government that far from leaving the European Community I think I would much rather be governed from Brussels than from Westminster. Not only are our representatives dragging their heels over the Robin Hood Tax, an obvious solution to our economic crisis,but they are also blocking the banning of Canadian Tar Sands into Europe, the dirtiest fuel ever. Taken together with the Tory EMPs rebellion earlier this year over European carbon emissions targets, it is clear who is pulling our Government's strings and it is not the people or the planet! Why don't we try to get enough signatures for a Parliamentary debate, if the Eurosceptics can do it, so can we.
#12 Robin Hood Tax
Cameron seems to be trying to put it across that he can't introduce the tax until it has world-wide acceptance. This is sophistry - introduce the tax, then tell the bankers that for those who leave or threaten to leave that tax is backdated for five years, only if they lift their threat will it be introduced from this year on.
#13 Corporation of the City of London
I wholeheartedly agree with the Robin Hood tax and believe that it should be implemented with immediate effect, however a large stumbling block is the City of London Corporation which a local authority with more power than any other. As stated in the Guardian by Ben Quinn on 31st October
' the City of London Corporation oversees not only its own police force, courts and distinctive electoral system, but also its own "lobbyist" who sits opposite the Speaker in the House of Commons.While other public institutions are subject to scrutiny under Freedom of Information law, it enjoys exemption from the transparency demanded of other local authorities. ',, ' '''''''''''''
#14 Corporation of the City of London
I wholeheartedly agree with the Robin Hood tax and believe that it should be implemented with immediate effect, however a large stumbling block is the City of London Corporation which a local authority with more power than any other. As stated in the Guardian by Ben Quinn on 31st October
' the City of London Corporation oversees not only its own police force, courts and distinctive electoral system, but also its own "lobbyist" who sits opposite the Speaker in the House of Commons.While other public institutions are subject to scrutiny under Freedom of Information law, it enjoys exemption from the transparency demanded of other local authorities. ',, ' '''''''''''''
#15 Canada's Stance
Canada's Stance Yesterday???
I am really curious about what Canada's stance was on the issue of the Robin Hood Tax yesterday. Especially now that Bank of Canada's Govenor, Mark Carney has been appointed the head of the G20's financial stability board, and will be acting as financial enforcer!?
#16 Canada's Stance
I would like to know too. I've heard very little about this idea in our neck of the woods. I was hoping something concrete would emerge from the G20 meeting to indicate Harper and Flaherty have softened in their opposition, but haven't heard anything.
#17 Bravo!
Well done for getting this far. Its about time the banking thieves started paying their dues.
(Trust Cameron to block it, showing his true blue colours yet again. I can't wait for the next election to vote him out... oh wait a second, we didn't actually vote him in did we...)
#18 I have written to my MP about
I have written to my MP about this and will be curious to see if I get a reply before the G20 meetings in January. Definitely worth writing to your MPs soon, so that they have time to pass on comments from their consituents before these important meetings in the New Year.
#19 Bravo encore!
I think its amazing how far you have pushed this movement over the last few weeks.
Keep pushing, you can count on mine and many others' support all the way!
#20 robin hood
shame on Cameron - but no real surprise that the conservatives support 1% rather than 99%
#21 Work Ethic
For most of my life I have done "OK". Not poor. Not financially rich either. I have worked hard and given back to my country and my community. I have paid my way. When I was made redundant last year as part of the UK Govt cutbacks, needed as a result of the banks and our bankrupt economic systems, I got nothing. No redundancy pay, as I had been in "that" job less than two years and my previous employment didn't count. Moving from one area to another (going where the jobs were) I had taken a few weeks to find another job. I had not "signed on". I had some savings. I was not destitute. But, because of this, my employer's NI was short for that financial year and so now there would be no Job Seeker's Allowance paid to me, even though I made up my own NI contributions and religiously "signed on". I wasn't warned there would be no 'benefits'. I studied for a change of career and attended courses, with the promise of an EU "start up" grant, to see me over the first few months. Before I was paid a penny, the grant was withdrawn. No warning! So my life has been turned upside down, thanks to the greed of others, with an over inflated view of their own worth and a poor work ethic AND despite the fact that it seems loads of others can get 'benefits' just by arriving in the UK. Benefits for people who have never worked! So I ask you, is having a "work ethic" my downfall?
Unlike the bankers, I have never had a golden handshake. No enhanced pension. No private health care. And even though I was often praised by my bosses, I never got a bonus, because I was a civilian support staff in the police and it was expected that I would do the job for which I was employed. But earning less than £25k a year, I could not see how anyone could be worth over £1 million a year. Not in pay, anyway and I still can't. Yes, there were times when I perhaps thought I was worth more. Say £35k a year, like a Greek train driver is allegedly paid, but it was my choice to do that work, so I took my pay and thanked the universe for the opportunity to be a worthwhile member of the human race. There were many worse off than me.
OK, I can't afford to retire, but at 62 I can't find another job. No, I won't starve, but the charities I used to support, can't count on my support any longer, the police officers I used to support are even less likely to be 'out on the streets', our communities, particularly at the lower strata, will suffer and, as for me, my enforced "early retirement" now looks pretty bleak.
All my experience and knowledge seems to count for nothing, but at least I have time to get behind this excellent movement. And yes, please give us a link to continue to lobby our MPs, MEPs and the Prime Minister. They have let the greedy (of many persuasions) get away with it for far too long. But maybe that is part of the problem? Once you're in politics, in Government, you do lose touch with those you are meant to represent... and you do lose the work ethic.
#22 Great letter, I have a
Great letter, I have a similar work ethic and some savings with it, not much, and no house as I could never afford to buy, and now the savings are going rapidly down and I am looking at a bleak retirement, if I can ever retire, ....
Makes you wonder why bother to save up for what you want instead of just getting credit, running up a bill, going bankrupt and wiping it out like some other people I know, seems I should have got that dodgy mortgage which now would be costing me a lot less than the rent I pay, how unfair this all is.
Still, kind of great to see the potential changes and ever hopeful that this could be the darkest hour before the dawn...
Maria
#23 re: Work Ethic
Not being lazy with this short comment, but I totally empathise with you.
I've offered my two-penneth over and over........NBRBS etc.
And continue to lobby MPs.
Just keep plugging away. The more people state the case for a more equal distribution of wealth and concern for others, the more effect it will eventually have.
(It's not just the bankers and opportunists, it's also a general malaise and lack of concern - and greed - throught society that contributes to where we are now).
Maybe that's changing?
..........as for putting a link to local MPs, it doesn't take much to find their email address and send them a short, concerned email. They rarely reply, but if they received thousands on a regular basis, they'd get the picture.
Perhaps a link is a good idea....... ;o)
#24 How does this work?
Just found this on www.4ni.co.uk
Durkan Backs 'Robin Hood' Tax Scheme
Support has been expressed locally for Westminster's so-called Robin Hood Tax initiative.
The SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has given his support to PM David Cameron backing a proposed tax on financial transactions in banks.
I think someone's got the wrong end of the stick here!!
#25 Unclear wording to blame
Yes, I'm afraid it's you who have got the wrong end of the stick, but that's forgiveable given the slightly ambiguous wording.
I think the intended meaning was "The SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has given his support to [the idea of] PM David Cameron backing a proposed tax on financial transactions in banks" rather than "...has given his support to [PM David Cameron's proposed tax on...]
#26 The British Government
I had hoped that Cameron would do the right thing for once!!!! I can't believe that he has blocked this and can I ask how on earth can he justify his actions? I will be writing to my MP asking this question. I am disgusted.
#27 The British Government
I had hoped that Cameron would do the right thing for once!!!! I can't believe that he has blocked this and can I ask how on earth can he justify his actions? I will be writing to my MP asking this question. I am disgusted.
#28 What keeps amazing me is that
What keeps amazing me is that all the people that are in favour of this so called Robin Hood tax think this will be a tax that lets the banks pay for the mess they created. What you seem to forget is that this will be a tax that will be paid by the average Joe who invests his money in the stock market for his retirement. The banks will transfer the costs of this tax to their clients, again the average Jane and Joe who invest directly in the stock market by themselves or through a mutual fund or retirement fund. So who is paying this tax? The banks? No, the nurses, firefighters and all the other people who work hard to save something for their retirement. So all of you who are in favour of this tax know exactly what you are asking for because you and I will be the ones paying for this tax. Not the ones who caused this crisis.
#29 UK Response to Robin Hood Tax
I was already deeply disappointed with the lack of action on the part of the UK Government with reference to the Robin Hood Tax, but now that so many others have come out in support it makes me ashamed. I'm going to send this comment to Mr Cameron's e-mail address: it may only be read by his staff, but at least I have made my feelings known and I'm sure it would be good if others did so too.
#30 Cameron must drink a lot of horlicks
The support for this campaign is impossible to ignore, not just from the average citizen but from mind thats have a much greater understanding of the global econemy than I. The excuse that such a tax could only work on a global scale is a cowardardous act by a group of people that benefit from 'the old way' far to much. I'm not part of the 'want something for nothing generation' but I am dam sure not going to give something for nothing either. Cameron, if we are 'in this together' prove it. I'd happily give a much larger percentage of my personal income to such a cause, I don't think we are asking a lot from people who have power and assests to make a massive impact on the global population. I realise the Sheriff of Nottingham is more your style Mr. Cameron but I think we would all like to see you in green tights just once.
#31 CONTACT OUR SCUMBAG PRIME MINISTER
http://www.number10.gov.uk/contact-us/
#32 Robin Hood Tax
Thoughts From Hyde Park Saturday 26th March 2011 ( My opinion has not changed)
On leaving Hyde Park mid afternoon Saturday 26th March after hearing speeches from Ed. Miliband and others in the company of many thousands protesting peacefully against 'The cuts', I could not fail to be further impressed by a seamless train of people still marching into the park to join the protest. I was also taken by the practical good sense of the call for a Robin Hood Tax of 0.05% on financial transactions estimated to raise £20 billion per year, 50% of which to be spent on reducing poverty. The walk back to Victoria from Hyde Park Corner was uneventful, almost Survivor like with the absence of cars and busses and our ride home on a 185 was swift and uneventful.
I am now thoroughly fed up of listening to 'Banker Bashing'. Like it or not the Bankers have in recent years played a key role in our prosperity and in the phenomenal increase in the value of property. Many have benefited from this prosperity and it is only fair that the 'Many' stand with the 'Bankers' to shoulder the cost of our downturn...Not those who are financially, socially or personally vulnerable. What kind of person thinks that it's OK to pick on the weakest? - Only a bully!
Turning to/on the Robin Hood tax 0f 0.05% on financial transactions to raise and estimated 20 billion pounds...fine...what a brilliant idea! But at the same time, why not 0.5% on all financial transactions and raise £200 billion a year for, say, the next five years...would that not go a long way towards setting the UK back on its feet? Why not 1.00% to raise £400 billion? Yes indeed, and an additional 1% tax on the well off too….I/we/you/they need to pay our/their dues as well as bankers.
If we really are to believe that we live in a democracy and are proud to be British, then we should also be proud to behave in a democratic and dignified way. To stand by and allow children, the poor, the sick, the disabled and the elderly to take the 'Hit’ when the ‘Hit’ is ours to take is no less than cowardly and despicable. Shame on anyone who thinks this is OK and would allow this to happen.
Today, when we are called upon to dig deep to protect our privileged way of life; when inflation and the cost of living is increasing; when the daily round is increasingly difficult for those who do not have the assurance of savings, adequate income and a holiday to look forward to; surely it is not too hard to take on board that funding for essential frontline services, Health, Education, Social Care, Police, Fire and Ambulance needs to be, should be, increased, not cut?
#33 The British Government
As a serving member of the Armed Forces I am disgusted with David Cameron's efforts to block the Robin Hood Tax. So many of us dedicate our lives and give up the privileges and freedom that many take for granted, in order to stand and fight to protect the privileges and freedom of others, knowing that we will never be rich, but just hoping that we can make a small difference. However, when it is time for our Prime Minister to stand and fight, knowing that he could make a huge difference to so many people, I discover that he is actually fighting the very people he is supposed to protect...us. Where are your loyalties Mr Cameron Sir? Why should so many of us be putting our lives on the line in order to "watch your back" when you seem quite clearly not to be watching ours.
#34 Conservative MP's
It's no point writing to Conservative MP's. They just trot out the Conservative party line and whilst Cameron is against the Robin Hood Tax they will endorse him. Once he changes his position, so will they and expect us to believe they acted with upmost integrity.
The reason my MP gave for opposing this tax is and I quote: 'It is vital that we maintain British competitiveness in the global market and prevent financial services relocating elsewhere'.
His agenda is always this, economic growth at all costs. I find it is a waste of time writing to him.
#35 It is great that there is
It is great that there is such movement in the G20 and disgraceful , but no surprise that Cameron is holding back. All the more reason why people should not wait for a link - it is easy to contact your MP - just google their name and their website will usually come up with a contact address. I know my MP is totally behind the RHT so I will write to Cameron.
#36 British Government on Robin Hood Tax
Would write to my MP, but unfortunately it's Nick Clegg, so whatever Cameron says / does, he eventually goes along with - in order to maintain Lib Dem. interests at the Tory Banquet. However the world is watching and hopefully these self centred coalition 'trough snufflers' will get their just deserts when the Robin Hood Tax gains so much momentum that it becomes part of international financial trading law.
#37 City of Oakland asked to support
Oakland California politicians asked to support the tax. We want a City Resolution.
#38 Folks, get serious!
A Financial Transaction Tax would not be paid by the banks, or by "the rich," but by ordinary investors. That's right -- 100% of the cost would be borne by every individual -- your Mum, your Dad, your brothers and sisters, your kids ... you -- who buys or sells a financial security. Furthermore, because that "tiny" tax -- imposed on both buyers and sellers -- would represent a potentially huge percentage of the average ACTUAL profit investors or traders make on a transaction, such a tax would dramatically lower trading volume, dramatically increase market volatility, and pose substantial risks to Main Street's retirement savings. At the same time, it would generate few, if any, net revenues for governments (cf. IMF studies, among many others), while increasing the cost of capital. and throwing people of work. An F.T.T. is a terrible idea at any time, but a potential disaster in a recession.
#39 a direct link would be ideal
As with thousands of others I was made redundant when the economy crashed. I retrained and am now self employed. Work is slow but we aren't yet on the breadline, unlike some.
I am fully aware that our countries finances are in dire straits due to past incompetence (largely by the financial sector), and understand that there is simply no money. I do however find many of this governments decisions regarding cuts to be short sighted and ill advised. I also fail to understand how the government can argue in favour of these cuts and still argue against this tax. It would, if nothing else, encourage these financial institutions to be considerably more cautious when gambling with other peoples money. It's largely their fault we're in this mess yet they seem to be the only ones who aren't paying for it.
The worlds governments need to realise that the people they profess to represent are sick and tired of being ignored. A link direct to David Cameron would give everyone the chance to tell him exactly how they feel. As someone pointed out before, the elections aren't that far away.
#40 The 1%
If you look at the current members of the Government it is easy to discover how the vast majority of them have family ties or business ties (or both) to the world of banking and big business and aristocracy. They are part of the system so they are never going to genuinely do anything to move against it. Everyone in the elite 1% is only interested in looking after the interests of the 1%. The whole system has to be attacked
#41 Tobin Tax - The idea whose time has come
I have spent the last 15 years getting a Credit Union up and working. Until 2008 I was considered a 'weirdo' with way out fancies. Then the banks showed us just how much they abused their position. Now people in the know have started to trust and nurture these people friendly ideas. OWS have been encouraging people to use Credit Unions instead of banks.and over the last month 650,000 new members have done just that in America.
I would love to go and support the young people in their actions but at 67 and in poor health I am only able to do as much as I do. I am still sneered at for being an 'idealist' but that is a slur I am proud to wear.
Government is supposed to support their people but I think they have truly lost the plot,
Keep up the pressure I am with you all the way and so are many others.
Power to the People!
#42 UK Government "line" on banking reform
This is the response from my MP (Conservative, if you were in any doubt when you had finished reading), so I believe that there is an awful lot more work to be done to change this UK Government's stance. What I find interesting though, is the fact that the Government line is that it has taken strong steps to reform the banking sector. Do they live in a parallel universe?
----------------------
Thank you for contacting me about banking and the idea of a Financial Transactions Tax (FTT), such as the Robin Hood Tax.
It is right for banks to make a fair contribution to the public purse. George Osborne has introduced a permanent bank levy which will raise £2.5 billion a year. This is more than the one-off bonus tax introduced by the last Government.
The European Commission recently proposed a FTT for EU countries. I agree with the Government that a FTT would need to be applied globally in order to work. It is vital that we maintan British competitiveness in the global market and prevent financial services relocating elsewhere.
The IMF endorses another type of tax, a Financial Activities Tax (FAT), to be levied on the sum of certain profits and remuneration in the financial sector. Ministers are examining the costs and benefits of a FAT and will continue to work with international partners to monitor developments in this area.
On banking in general, the Governmet has acted quickly to reform the system to ensure it supports families, the economy and jobs, and does not cost the taxpayer billions of pounds if things go wrong. The Chancellor has already introduced some of the toughest rules in the world on bank bonuses and is fundamentally overhauling banking regulation. In addition, the Independent Commission on Banking, set up by the Government, recently published its report outlining far reaching proposals to create a new and improved banking system. The Government will continue to lead internationally and call for the changes it would like to see at a global level.
Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me and I hope you have been assured by the strong steps the Government is taking to reform the banking sector.
#43 Mail the Prime minister
Don't wait for a link..... you know where he lives... 10 Downing street, just whack one in the post!
#44 Rotten and corporate politics..
My brother-in-law - a responsible and serious journalist, once said to me: "we vote for the illusion of democracy." Over the past several years, I have long seen that flippant remark many times vindicated. Whilst I note several reviewers (rightly) sounding off "about The Tories & Cameron", may I remind them that 'urgh Blair' and creepy Mandelson etc, (PS. now honoured by the establishment as 'Lord Mandelson') were no better* in that phoney administration, 'New Labour.' "*Seriously relaxed about being filthy rich.." anybody?
In-built corruption seems to attempt win every time today: This was reflected in our MP's expenses scandal, then followed by the bankers' bonuses, where obscene personal & corporate greed took precedence over any vestiges of business common-sense - and is today, bringing down peoples' working lives, as well as our countries economies. The arch-culprits remain both in power and are enjoying continued rewards. And the whole rotten system is STILL in situ: look at today's economic pay-gap. This cannot be right.
Today, I ask myself, WHEN are our lobbyist-orientated, free-market politicians, finally going to represent US, the people as public & parlimentary democratic servants??
There is an incoming crisis re. our modern, global Capitalist system, as it currently stands. What collective & responsible message is this society sending out to the rising generations? Beware politicos, the 'Arab Spring' with its call for 'justice', may exert dire economic, 'spin-off' consequences for us in Europe; as I believe we shall shortly be witnessing in Greece, Italy, Spain etc etc.
We must be seen to be tackling establishment greed, and in restoring a system of social and economic justice, - putting 'society' first. As it currently stands, the system ain't presently working..
#45 I think the FTT is misguided,
I think the FTT is misguided, a real robin hood tax would be a tax on land ie a Land Value Tax LVT.
The 1% own most of the worlds most expensive land.
Hit them where it hurts, while giving exemptions to the lower valued land held by the 99%.
FTT also hits the 99% via our pensions. The effect on a 99%'ers pension over 50 years with FTT applied will be huge.
The rich will find ways around FTT, but land cant be hidden.
#46 WRITE TO YOUR MPs!
http://www.mySociety.org/projects/
Please visit the above webpage, do take advantage of the amazing resources those democracy heroes at mySociety.org have built… and spread the word! :)
http://www.mysociety.org/projects/
I'm not affiliated with mySociety in any way, but I'm an admirer and fan of their awesome work. Cheers!
#47 why is he blocking it? has
why is he blocking it?
has he given a reason?
#48 Yes it's complicated, yes it
Yes it's complicated, yes it will hurt us all a bit but doesn't it come down to one thing. Right from wrong.
There are kids starving all around the world, there are more people dying from fuel poverty in the UK than on our roads, there are hard working people struggling to put food on their tables. All so that fat shareholders and bbig businesses can hang onto their wealth. It's wrong, no ifs, no buts, just wrong.
YOU HAVE MORE POWER THAN YOU KNOW, VOTE WITH YOUR POCKET AND HURT THEM.
If you really want to do your bit. Stop trading with these people.
Bank with an ethical bank like co-op.
Get rid of Sky TV. Your paying for all that marketing and one of their companies was tapping the phone of a murdered child.
Refuse to pay silly money for designer stuff.
Stop shopping in the big supermarkets.
Help your local economy, trade with local businesses.
Above all, tell others to do the same. Use FaceBook to spread the word. We all blame the government and yet we are just as much to blame. It is within our power but talk aloan will achieve nothing.
Vote on mass with our pockets and we will bring these giants to their knees quickly. Then they either listen or they collapse.
#49 Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Not sure if I'm allowed to post a link here but have just written an article discussing my own views and how to take real action against the banks and big businesses. Hit them where it hurts the most I say. Kick them in the profits here http://web-design-sussex-seo.co.uk/banks-or-gangsters-who-do-you-prefer/
#50 Lobbying
Being a democratic country we only have to ask the government to debate this by one of us getting on the government website and starting a debate motion.
(Unless it has already been started of course which i naturally presume it will have....I'll check).
Likewise we then have to wait for the debate, take note of the supporters and lobby/vote accordingly when the time is right.
This tax is imminent and even Mr Cameron who I support on most matters will not get away from the USP's of this tax.
However, I'm sure the global financiers alreadyhave methodology to avoid the tax if imposed but that is always the case in these matters.
Carry on with the tremendous work and progress already achieved to date.
Mr S Ball.
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