Interesting documentary; pretty disheartening in general, though : \
Video Summary (around 1:31:45 ish): "Central banking, rigged capitalism, land speculation, income tax, and neoclassical economics have corporatized democracy, stunted progress, perverted the course of human destiny, and compromised the future of this planet. If these issues are not addressed, then the next implosion will be on a scale unimagined. Whatever the propaganda, at the beginning of the 21st century, central banks' unregulated cheap [FIAT] money pumped up land values, which created an unsustainable asset bubble in a world that once again operates a rigged tax system that enriches entrenched privilege. Neo-classical economics have ruined life for the bottom billions*, tempted everyone into intergenerational conflict, and created massive suffering that has not limits."
*They make an argument that terrorism/ rioting will not end so long as the people comprising these groups feel that everything has been taken from them (ultimately by large corps). By the time money gets down to their level, and ours, its buying power is significantly diminished, etc.
The documentary gives high-level suggestions for improvement, which include: "Getting organized and preventing the culprits camouflaging the real problem means it is possible to embark on a bloodless revolution against the violent organizations and barbaric leaders who've trashed the economy."
Yes, kind of dramatic. But also motivating.
I'm still not quite sure what we can do in general, though, and find that frustrating. I think a lot of the habits supported here by MMM and in the forums lend themselves to this (like strengthening communities, working together, sharing resources, appreciating what you have), but what about the financial side? Am I supporting the large corporation agendas by using my credit card? Or is paying off the balancing in full each month a win? What about when I want to buy a house - is taking on a mortgage enabling all of this?
Should we be trying to buy more local, Fair-Trade, or Ecocert?
Is our best bet to start with the local government? If so, what do we demand? How can we convince politicians who are already bought by large corporations?
How can we do more to move toward and support a healthy economic system? Any good thoughts out there on what we can do today? Very interested to find out how others might have grappled with this.
